LOWER LAKE
CalFresh replacement for food loss due to power outages on October 4.
The Lake County Department of Social Services (LCDSS) is able to assist households who experienced food loss due to power outages lasting four hours or more with CalFresh Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) replacement benefits and applications.
CalFresh replacement benefits are available to households already in receipt of CalFresh who lost food due to power outages. CalFresh households that lost food due to power outages related to the fire, which began 10/4/2024 have 30-days, instead of 10-days, to request replacement benefits thanks to a Timely Reporting Waiver. Households have until 11/4/2024 to submit their CalFresh Replacement Requests.
Expedited CalFresh applications are available to qualified low-income households who do not already have benefits. At this time, Disaster CalFresh benefits are not available, as a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance is required to operate, which we do not anticipate.
To request replacement CalFresh or to apply, contact Lake County Social Services:
Call 1 (800) 628-5288 toll free or visit: www.benefitscal.com
Come In: 15975 Anderson Ranch Parkway, Lower Lake, CA 95457 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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LAKE COUNTY
Lake County Economic Development Corporation launches ‘Eat Drink Shop Local’ campaign to support local businesses
The Lake County Economic Development Corporation (Lake EDC) is excited to announce the launch of the “Eat Drink Shop Local” campaign, a community-driven initiative designed to raise awareness about the significant impact of shopping habits on our local economy.
While ‘shop local’ campaigns are not new, the concept has never been more important. As the costs of running a business rise and the prices of goods and services increase, households’ disposable income has decreased. When Lake County residents make purchases, it’s crucial to consider how resources are spent and what happens to that money once it leaves your wallet.
The campaign aims to highlight the benefits of shopping locally, including:
• Strengthening the Local Economy: Money spent at local businesses often stays within the community, creating a positive economic cycle that benefits everyone.
• Job Creation: Local businesses are significant employers, providing jobs for residents and contributing to overall economic health.
• Unique and Diverse Offerings: Local businesses offer unique products and services that reflect the character and culture of our community.
The “Eat Drink Shop Local” campaign is designed to be inclusive, with opportunities for everyone to participate – whether you’re a business owner, a local agency, or an individual. The ultimate goal is to help local businesses survive and thrive, ensuring our communities and families do too.
“We believe that small actions can lead to significant change. By supporting local businesses, we can create a more robust, resilient local economy and a thriving community,” said Ernesto Padilla, President of the Lake County Economic Development Corporation.
The campaign has multiple avenues to support local businesses. Businesses wishing to participate can sign up on the website and information will be added to the ‘Shop Small Saturday’ listing. The listing will help share local promotions during the major shopping weekend following Thanksgiving. Additionally, businesses will have access to free printed and electronic branding materials. The goal is to emphasize the local options for holiday shopping, and brand for year-round focus on eating, drinking, and shopping for local products.
Kick-Off Webinar on October 21, 5 p.m. to feature Nicole Flora, Executive Director of Lake EDC, who will outline the campaign’s purpose, components, and how to get involved.
SLOW THE SCROLL: Photography and Social Media Training for Business
Date and time: October 28 and November 4, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park Street, Lakeport
Discover best practices for compelling photographs and business posts on social media to help boost sales during the holiday season.
Shop Small Saturday November 30
National focus on small, local businesses, kicking off the holiday shopping season. Businesses can sign up to list promotions, and shoppers can find the promotion listing on the Lake EDC website and Facebook page.
For more information about the campaign, sign up for the kick-off, workshops, and be included in the ‘Shop Small’ campaign, or find out other ways you can get involved, visit lakecountycaedc.org/shoplocal.
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