May is CalFresh Awareness Month
May is CalFresh Awareness Month! Food assistance has never been more important. No one should have to worry about getting enough to eat while fighting COVID-19.
In a comprehensive effort to increase food assistance to people facing hunger during this COVID-19 crisis, the government is providing maximum benefits to applicants during the month of May.
CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps and nationally known as SNAP) is a nutrition assistance program designed to help families and low-income individuals purchase healthy foods. Eligible clients can receive an EBT card (similar to a debit card) that can be used to purchase food at the grocery store and participating farmer’s markets. It’s available to all U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.
Updates:
- Anyone who applies for CalFresh through May and is approved will receive the maximum benefit possible for their household size. For example, a household of 4 receives a monthly max allotment of $646. CalFresh ranges from $194 for a household of 1 to $1,164 for a household of 8 and $146 for each person after 8.
- Effective April 1, 2020, the vast majority of initial CalFresh application interviews have been waived in San Diego County. An interview will not be necessary unless provided applicant information is incomplete or questionable.
- Effective April 1, 2020, all CalFresh reporting has been waived except for changes in income.
- Signature requirements have been waived — all application assistors can take applications over the phone.
- Starting in March 2020, eligibility redetermination has been waiver for 90 days.
Feeding San Diego urges households to take advantage of the new rules and apply for CalFresh. To find out if you qualify for CalFresh benefits, please complete this form and a member of the CalFresh team will be in touch.
