HOW CALFRESH HELPS BUILD STRONG AND HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

This year’s May campaign theme is CalFresh Today, Healthier Tomorrow.

Throughout the month of May, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) and its county and community-based partners will amplify the message and affirm that consistent access to nutritious food is the foundation of a strong and healthy community.

May is CalFresh Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise public awareness of the benefits of the CalFresh Program, CalFresh version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that helps families and individuals stretch their food budgets to put more nutritious food on their table.

This year’s theme, “CalFresh Today, Healthier Tomorrow,” emphasizes that CalFresh is not just a food benefit, but also a resource for wellness, stability, and reducing the financial stress on low-income families. In L.A. County, an estimated 1.6 million L.A. County residents are enrolled in CalFresh.

“Just putting three meals a day on the table is a daily struggle for too many families in Los Angeles County,” said DPSS Director Jackie Contreras.  As the head of the nation’s largest social service agency, Contreras often shares how as a child, food subsidy programs helped her family during tough financial times. “I am so grateful my mother had the courage to reach out for help when we needed it.”

The Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a motion declaring May CalFresh Awareness Month and are encouraging residents to share the important information with those in their community who need it most. This year’s goals are to remove barriers, such as the stigmas associated with public assistance, and encouraging applicants to apply online at BenefitsCal.com.