Advocacy Update | No Changes to Public Charge
Imagine if you were asked to choose between putting food on...
Read More
CalFresh, formerly known as food stamps, is a nutrition assistance program for low-income individuals and families. In California, only about 70% of eligible households receive these benefits. Our Outreach Team is dedicated to getting more eligible people connected to this valuable program.
CalFresh leverages federal dollars to make an economic impact in low-income communities and is one of the best tools available to end hunger, with an average household receiving about $166 per month in benefits. In San Francisco and Marin, an estimated 45% of the population is likely eligible for CalFresh but are not enrolled because of perceived stigma around getting assistance, immigration concerns, and an overwhelming application process.
The CalFresh Outreach team, alongside our broad network of community partners, the San Francisco Human Services Agency, and Marin Health and Human Services, work together to remedy these barriers to enrolling in CalFresh through education, outreach, client advocacy, and application assistance.
Only about
60%
of eligible residents participate in Calfresh
Food Bank staff helped
5,350 households
to apply for CalFresh benefits
Families enrolled by the Food Bank received over
$9.6 million
in benefits to help buy groceries
It was because of the Food Bank that I found out I could qualify for CalFresh. The $345 I receive in CalFresh benefits each month is very helpful. It takes a lot of worry off my shoulders. It’s so helpful to know that no matter what, at least our food is covered.
”- Roxana, CalFresh recipient, San Rafael
I’m relieved that I can spend fifty dollars at the grocery store and not have to worry that I won’t be able to afford anything else that week. I might even be able to buy something special every now and then. Something special like fresh corn on the cob.
”- Santos, CalFresh recipient, San Rafael
Imagine if you were asked to choose between putting food on...
Read MoreSomeday, UC San Francisco medical student Hailey hopes to save many...
Read MoreWhen 29-year-old Julia was in her last year of nursing school, she...
Read MoreMany of our partners, colleagues, and clients have expressed concerns that...
Read MoreState leadership is needed to implement modern solutions. In our previous...
Read MoreMonet is a full-time student at San Francisco State with a...
Read MoreGet COVID-19 Updates