By Tom Christensen, County of San Diego Communications Office
Starting in June 2019, the CalFresh program will allow many seniors and people with disabilities receiving SSI/SSP to participate and have access to nutritious food.
CalFresh is designed to reduce food insecurity and increase food budgets, improving participants’ access to fresh and healthy food.
May is CalFresh Awareness Month. During the month, the San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency, community partners and food advocates throughout our county are working together to increase awareness about CalFresh and highlight these important changes to SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment) recipients.
The California Department of Social Services says most SSI recipients and couples living on their own will be newly eligible for CalFresh.
Most SSI/SSP recipients will need to apply for CalFresh, either on the phone, online or in person. Receiving CalFresh will not reduce or eliminate someone’s SSI/SSP benefits according to the California Department of Social Services.
Several community events are scheduled around the county where people can receive free screenings and application assistance for CalFresh. For more information and to find a community event near you visit the County’s CalFresh page.
Residents can apply for CalFresh online at GetCalFresh.org and MyBenefitsCalWIN.org, or by calling 2-1-1.
