EBT Theft – Replacement of Stolen CalFresh

By Shelly Dieu & Anae Evangelista

EBT theft costs California more than $10 million dollars a month in 2023. Amid the rampant EBT theft, many community members receiving CalFresh have been victims to EBT fraud and tactics resulting in stolen benefits.  

From the federal side, the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act in 2022 has set the stage for federal reimbursement of stolen benefits. The Federal Nutrition Service has approved the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) plan for a two-month reimbursement of stolen benefits. 

 If you or someone you know have gotten CalFresh benefits stolen, continue reading to find out more about the replacement process. Several changes to the EBT Theft replacement policy have gone into effect starting December 1st. 

 Normally, CalFresh recipients who experience EBT Theft must file the EBT 2259 form within 90 calendar days from the date of theft in order to receive replacement benefits. However, CalFresh recipients who were victims of EBT theft between Oct. 1st of 2022 to November 30th of 2023 will now be allowed to receive retroactive replacement benefits, for up to 2 months worth of benefits. They must file an EBT 2259 form with your county to request the replacement benefits. This is great news, however, the time to call for retroactive replacement is short. CalFresh recipients who were victims of fraud only have until February 29, 2024 to call the county at: (866) 262-9881. 

CalFresh recipients will qualify for retroactive replacement benefits for past cases of EBT Theft if: 

1. They were previously denied replacement for not meeting the reporting requirements. 

2. They never filed an EBT 2259 form for the EBT theft issue. 

3. They received only 1 months worth of replacement benefits. Families can now receive benefits for up to 2 months worth of benefits. 

The EBT 2259 form can be submitted by calling the county to report the claim or by going in person to a county family resource center or by uploading the form to LaterDocs or BenefitsCal. We also have our great network of community based application assisters to help navigate through this process: https://www.sandiegohungercoalition.org/getcalfresh.  

 Please keep in mind that CalFresh households may only receive up to two instances of replacement benefits. These claims can be filed until February 29th, 2024. 

How can families protect themselves from EBT Theft? 
In order to protect themselves from electronic theft in the future, CalFresh recipients should:  

1. Frequently check on their transaction history and balance for unauthorized charges. CalFresh recipients can do so by:  

   -Logging into BenefitsCal  

   -Calling (877)328-9677 

   -checking their balance at the bottom of receipts  

2. Never give out their card number and pin   

   -Do not answer texts or emails requesting this information 

   -Do not give it out over the phone 

   -Cover the keypad during in-person transactions 

3. Double check for a skimming overlay or suspicious attachments on card reading machines 

If a CalFresh recipient notices any unauthorized charges on their account, their pin should be changed immediately to prevent further loss. You can do so by calling the number on the back of their EBT card. 

 If you or anyone you know has any issues requesting EBT Theft replacement benefits, please email calfresh@sdhunger.org. 

By Shelly Dieu (she/her), CalFresh Program Manager & Anae Evangelista (she/her), CalFresh Program Coordinator.
 

Elderly Simplified Application Project gets a user-friendly paper application form to help community members apply for CalFresh

By Shelly Dieu & Anae Evangelista

Earlier this year, the California Department of Social Services released a simplified application form, the CF 485, meant to help older adults and people with disabilities apply for food benefits via the CalFresh program. Historically, it has been difficult for seniors and individuals with disabilities to apply for and receive benefits due to lack of awareness, technological barriers, and misconceptions of the application process. Our network of application assisters in community-based organizations (CBOs) in San Diego County can assist with the CalFresh application in person with printed forms. 

What is CalFresh? 
CalFresh provides families with monthly benefits that can be used to purchase groceries – which allows families to access healthy, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods. Through CalFresh, households of 4 can even get as much as $973 a month for groceries.  

What is the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)? 
The Elderly Simplified Application Project is a demonstration program that aims to increase the participation of the elderly and disabled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/CalFresh program. ESAP is a collection of policy and process changes that simplify the application, interview, and verification processes for SNAP/CalFresh.  

Some of these benefits include:  

1. A simplified paper application with the CF 485 form. 
   -The application was formatted to be easy to read and understand, and may submitted in-person to a county Family Resource Center or online via the Benefitscal platform.

2. Reductions in verification requirements.
   - Electronic data matches can be used to verify identity, income, residency, medical expenses, and other verification requirements.
   - Applicants will not be required to submit as many documents and can ask for county workers to assist them in locating verifications via backend systems.

3. Extension of the certification period to 3 years for elderly/disabled households with no earned income. 
   -After approval for CalFresh, most families will have to renew every 6 months through a SAR7 form. However, through ESAP, older adults and individuals with disabilities will only need to renew their benefits every 3 years. 
   - This will make it easier for households to keep their benefits after being approved!

4. Waived interview requirements during renewal. 
   - During recertification of benefits, an interview is typically required for the CalFresh household. However, through ESAP, it is waived, and elderly/disabled households will not have to complete one. 

Only households made up of older adults and/or individuals with a disability with NO earned income are eligible for ESAP – this includes SSI recipients. 

Through ESAP, it’s easier than ever for older adults and individuals with disabilities to apply for and be approved for CalFresh benefits.  

By Shelly Dieu (she/her), CalFresh Program Manager & Anae Evangelista (she/her), CalFresh Program Coordinator

Empowering Nutrition Security: San Diego Hunger Coalition's Victory in Advocacy

By Mauricio Medina (he/him)

San Diego Hunger Coalition successfully lobbied the County of San Diego’s Economic Development and Government Affairs Department to place Nutrition Security on the priority issues section of the County’s 2024 Legislative Program.

This comes after 2 years of engaging with EDGA, through issuing detailed responses during their comment period and participating in webinars as part of their annual process when soliciting feedback as they update their legislative program.

Now that Nutrition Security is listed as on the priority issues section it allows the County of San Diego to actively engage in legislation and related actions at the state and federal level to ensure such legislation benefits County Operations and the clients, customers, and constituents they serve. Furthermore, it directs EDGA to actively pursue all available funding to lift up and invest in our communities to ensure the San Diego region receives its fair share. Lastly, the County will oppose any legislative efforts that run counter to their stated priorities.

This success is particularly timely because of the expiration of the Farm Bill in 2022, and its potential reauthorization in 2023, will provide a once-in-a-decade opportunity for the County to weigh in and shape a CalFresh program that prioritizes equity, modernization, and removes harmful barriers of access.

For detailed responses click here

To learn more about 2024 Legislative Program click here

Mauricio Medina (he/him) is the Manager of Public Affairs of San Diego Hunger Coalition

Government Shutdown Exposes Vulnerabilities of SNAP Recipients

By Shelly Dieu (she/her)

San Diego, CA - As the looming government shutdown continues to dominate headlines and political tensions arise, the consequences will transpire in the homes of thousands of low-income San Diegans relying on public benefits programs. 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or CalFresh in California is a public benefit program that allows recipients to purchase food at most grocery stores is threatened by the strain of a government shutdown. The San Diego Hunger Coalition, a leading advocacy group dedicated to combating hunger and poverty, is alarmed by the potential effects of this crisis on CalFresh recipients.  

This is what we know now: 

• October CalFresh/SNAP benefits will be available to customers per usual. USDA has changed their accounting process so that they will "obligate" the benefits when the states send their issuance files to the EBT vendors instead of when the benefits are loaded onto the EBT cards. https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACWDL/2023/CL_09-20-23.pdf?ver=2023-09-20-122337-467 

• Due to this accounting change, benefits will be protected every October even if the legislators cannot come to a resolution on spending bills. 

• If the government shutdown extends past October, SNAP recipients will have their benefits disrupted in November. 

Taking a look back to the 2018-2019 Government Shutdown, we know how an extended shutdown can affect community members: 

• The federal government shutdown disrupted SNAP benefit distribution and SNAP participants had to wait longer than usual before benefits were issued. 

• Receiving benefits early can mean some households have initial relief followed by hardship with longer stretches in between receipt of benefits 

• SNAP communications may not be comprehensive as many recipients were not informed about benefit distribution disruption 

• https://ucanr.edu/sites/NewNutritionPolicyInstitute/files/316104.pdf 

SDHC calls upon government leaders to take action to avoid a government shutdown immediately to protect vulnerable lives. 

In anticipation of this government shutdown, the San Diego Hunger Coalition is committed to working alongside policymakers, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens to protect the nutritional security of SNAP recipients and safeguard the health and well-being of our nation's most vulnerable populations. 

Shelly Dieu (she/her) is the CalFresh Program Manager of San Diego Hunger Coalition

NAHPC Lobby Day and CHAC Hunger Action Week

From left to right: Chris Carter, VP of Communications, Marketing & Public Affairs, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank; Casey Castillo, CEO, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank; congresswoman Sara j. jacobs, 51st district of california; Anahid brakke, president & ceo, san diego hunger coalition and Angeles Nelson, Policy Advocate, NourishCA.

By Mauricio Medina (he/him)

CalFresh Awareness Month coincided with two important advocacy dates for federal and state policy: NAHPC Lobby Day and CHAC Hunger Action Week.

The National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference (NAHPC) is held annual in DC, and it was the first time since the pandemic that it was held in-person. The last day of the conference is referred to as “lobby day” since advocates use the resources they learned from the previous days and apply their expertise to lobby members of Congress to support key pieces of federal anti-hunger legislation. We are fortunate that Hunger Coalition President & CEO Anahid Brakke represented the organization in person and led a delegation of advocates in meeting with our elected officials. This delegation included Casey Castillo, CEO, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank; Chris Carter, Vice President of Communications, Marketing & Public Affairs, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and Angeles Nelson, Policy Advocate, NourishCA. This delegation met with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs and staff from Senator Padilla and Feinstein’s Office, as well as staff from Congressman Peters and Vargas. At each meeting, the latest information on hunger and nutrition insecurity in San Diego was shared and timely and critical opportunities for members of congress to take action were identified.

Every May, the California Hunger Action Coalition (CHAC) organizes Hunger Action Week, a week of action for advocates across the state to meet with their state representatives in the assembly and senate to make one final push for our policy priorities as key legislative deadlines approach: the Governor’s May Revise and suspense day. Hunger Coalition set up meetings with representatives from San Diego. CHAC Hunger Action Week was resounding success! San Diego Hunger Coalition, and its network of partners including San Diego Food Bank, San Diego Food System Alliance, Feeding San Diego and NourishCA met with staff and legislators to make one final push ahead of the crucial suspense day in the Assembly and Senate.

We want to extend our sincerest "thank yous" to the staff of Assemblymember Alvarez, Maienschein and Senator Atkins and thank Assemblymember Ward and Senator Padilla for taking the time to meet with us!

Mauricio Medina (he/him) is the Manager of Public Affairs of San Diego Hunger Coalition

Celebrating Community-Based Organizations' Application Assisters with CalFresh Awareness Month

By Anahid Brakke (she/her)

May is CalFresh Awareness Month! CalFresh, also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a federal food assistance program that provides benefits for eligible households to purchase groceries and bolster food security.  

This month is especially important to build awareness in San Diego County, as one of the main barriers to program participation is a lack of awareness around eligibility requirements. This month, we celebrate the incredible work of application assisters and the importance that they play. Thankfully, we have local community-based organizations (CBOs) that play a significant role in our county to support awareness, outreach, and enrollment efforts. As pillars of the community, CBOs are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking assistance with the application process, and they are uniquely poised to provide supportive, effective, and culturally competent application support through their trained CalFresh Application Assistors.  

For CalFresh Awareness Month, we would like to highlight the crucial role that our subcontracted CBO application assisters fulfill in San Diego County to increase CalFresh enrollment. Application assisters can evaluate someone's eligibility and guide them through the application process, while also deciding how to best support them, by offering the languages a community member(s) prefer and helping to dispel misconceptions or fears about CalFresh with trusted information.  

We are proud to partner with such organizations across the county with rooted connections that can reach unique communities in each place. All organizations subcontracted with the San Diego Hunger Coalition go through our in-depth CalFresh 101 training to help assist with a broad range of applications. It is here where application assisters are trained to advocate for community members and know how to overcome barriers to enrollment. For example, application assisters will go through the process of assisting clients with collecting information such as navigating how to access paystub information since many clients have direct deposit. Application assisters will also sit down with applicants to see if additional expenses such as childcare can be considered to boost benefit amounts. Application assisters in community-based organizations ensure that clients will have a higher likelihood of approval. Many of our partners have been doing this work and contributing to increased nutrition security for years.

You can find our network of partners here: https://sdhunger.org/getcalfresh

You can find our FAQ geared towards community members here: https://www.sdhunger.org/calfresh-for-community-faq. 

Anahid Brakke (she/her) is the President & CEO of San Diego Hunger Coalition

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How families can maximize their CalFresh Benefits

By Anahid Brakke (she/her)

CalFresh benefits provide families with purchasing power and access to healthy, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods. Families have been especially empowered through CalFresh emergency allotments, which were extra benefits provided as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the economy. These provided families with at least $95 more in CalFresh benefits every month.

As of February 28th of 2023, these emergency allotments have officially ended, and many families saw their benefits drop for the first time in three years – some households even saw benefits drop from $281 to the minimum of $23.

CDSS (California Department of Social Services) and counties across California have provided families with communication to prepare them for the end of emergency allotments, but one question lingers on the minds of families and service providers alike – what can families do?

It is especially important for families to ensure that they are receiving the maximum amount of benefits they are eligible for. CalFresh benefit amounts are determined by the family’s net income after deductions from eligible monthly expenses. Reporting these expenses may lead to a higher amount of CalFresh benefits being loaded onto a family’s EBT card every month. The county may request documentation to verify some of these expenses.

If you’d like to read more details about eligible expenses that may increase benefits, we recommend checking out the Maximizing Benefits Flyer (available in English and Spanish). Eligible monthly expenses include:

1.      Shelter Expenses

a.      Contrary to popular belief, shelter expenses are not limited to just mortgage costs or rent payments.

b.      They can also include but are not limited to homeowner association (HOA) fees, taxes and insurance on the house, and repairs to the house caused by natural disaster.

2.      Utility Expenses

a.      Households are eligible to deduct utility costs if costs are separate from rent/shelter costs.

b.      Utilities can include water, heating and cooling costs, gas, telephone costs, sewage, and trash collection.

3.      Dependent Care Expenses

a.      This includes any kind of care costs for children and other dependents (including care for adults).

b.      This can include but is not limited to daycare costs, summer camp costs, Youth Programs (such as YMCA and Boys' and Girls’ Club), and babysitting payments to family, friends, or other individuals.

4.      Child Support Payments

a.      Households are eligible to deduct child support payments to someone outside of their CalFresh household. These do not include alimony payments.

i.     A court-ordered letter will be required by the county for verification of this expense.

5.      Medical Expenses

a.      Households with an elderly or disabled member are eligible to deduct monthly medical expenses.

b.      Allowable medical expenses include but are not limited to: Insurance premiums, medical supplies, hospitalization or outpatient treatment, prescription drugs, transportation costs, dental and eye care, attendant/health aid, maintaining service animals, and medical equipment and associated energy costs.

6.      Homeless Shelter Expenses

a.      Individuals experiencing homelessness are eligible to report expenses related to additional shelter costs. This expense can include but is not limited to:

i.     Car payments (if living in their car)

ii.     Motel payments

iii.     Other shelter expenses

7.      College Students

a.      College students applying for CalFresh may be eligible to deduct their education expenses. This can include tuition, mandatory fees, and other school supplies.

Many families are unaware that these expenses may lead to increased benefits and fail to properly report their eligible monthly expenses. A senior in San Diego county recently reached out to the San Diego Hunger Coalition and shared her experience with reporting expenses. She was originally unaware that her costs to maintain her service animal counted as an eligible medical expense, but after reporting the expense to the county, she successfully saw an increase to her benefits and described the benefit change as “life changing for [herself] and [her] two service dogs.”

Like this senior, many families fail to properly report their eligible monthly expenses, and this can lead to families receiving less benefits than they are actually eligible for.

Takeaways

To ensure that families are receiving the maximum amount of CalFresh benefits possible, it is best to contact the county to report all monthly expenses and check that information on income is accurate. San Diego County’s office can be reached by calling Access at 1-(866) 262-9881.

If you have any questions or would like to get connected with further assistance, please contact the San Diego Hunger Coalition’s CalFresh Team at calfresh@sdhunger.org.

Anahid Brakke (she/her) is the President & CEO of San Diego Hunger Coalition

San Diego Hunger Coalition Presents Innovative Hunger Solutions to USDA

San Diego Hunger Coalition Presents Innovative Hunger Solutions to USDA

In January, the San Diego Hunger Coalition hosted a roundtable discussion  between the region’s hunger-relief community and a delegation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including Deputy Under Secretary Stacy Dean and Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) Administrator Cindy Long. 

One of the main goals of the meeting was to showcase some of the innovative solutions to nutrition insecurity and hunger being deployed in our region by the Hunger Coalition and partner organizations, including:

• The Hunger Free Navigator program

• Hunger Free Mountain Empire initiative

• CalFresh in Schools pilot program

During the roundtable, USDA heard from a host of hunger-relief organizations in San Diego, including the Hunger Coalition, San Diego Food Bank, Feeding San Diego, SBCS, Oceanside Unified School District, Sweetwater Union High School District, and San Ysidro Health. Rep. Sara Jacobs and Rep. Scott Peters also attended the event.

During the meeting and afterward, the federal delegation praised the innovative solutions that organizations in San Diego are spearheading.

“The creativity that is present at the community level here in San Diego to serve those in need, we heard so much about the collaboration, and the constant innovation and evaluation,” said Cindy Long.

Despite the critical and groundbreaking work that San Diego Hunger Coalition and its partners do each day throughout our region, there are still many barriers to addressing nutrition insecurity throughout the county and nationincluding the recent ending of emergency pandemic-era CalFresh aid.

Because of the continued need to address hunger through systemic change, , San Diego Hunger Coalition President & CEO Anahid Brakke recently submitted a letter to USDA Deputy Under Secretary Dean with a list of challenges that could be resolved with help from the federal government.

These challenges and solutions to address hunger include:

• School Meals: Although universal school meals are an incredible achievement, there are some growing pains. Solutions include extending the deadline for schools to apply to Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), adjusting specific metrics in CEP to allow for more school districts to get funding for these universal meals and creating a streamlined and centralized data system for all child hunger programs.

• P-EBT/Summer EBT: Pandemic EBT and Summer EBT programs have long run into data issues, and it’s critical that a centralized and simplified system be created. Additionally, there are funding barriers to overcome, including training for translation services so that these resources can be provided to the people who need them the most.

• CalFresh/SNAP: SDHC advocates for a requirement that States have robust language access so that households with limited English proficiency can benefit from CalFresh. SDHC also believes it’s critical that enrollment is prioritized alongside fraud prevention, and that the federal government reverses course on its ban on SNAP recruitment via various media outlets.

We strongly urge the USDA to implement these critical policy solutions, which wouldn’t just benefit people experiencing nutrition insecurity in San Diego. Applied effectively and strategically, they would help close the meal gap across the country.

The San Diego Hunger Coalition partners with school districts across the County to bring more food to families and more dollars to schools through CalFresh!

Short on time but want to learn more? View our 2-minute CalFresh in Schools highlight reel!

On January 27, 2022, the San Diego Hunger Coalition, in partnership with No Kid Hungry, kicked off a campaign to support school districts in bringing more federal dollars to school meal programs by enrolling eligible students in CalFresh.

WHAT IS CALFRESH?

CalFresh, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as it’s known federally, provides money for groceries on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card every month.

This campaign was launched with a county-wide conversation geared towards school district leaders on what CalFresh is and how the program can help their schools prepare for California’s implementation of School Meals for All. Joining the Hunger Coalition were presenters from the County of San Diego Office of Education and Health and Human Service Agency, Vista, Borrego Springs and San Diego Unified School District leadership, community-based application assistors from Feeding San Diego and Chula Vista Community Collaborative, and national child nutrition advocates from No Kid Hungry. The kickoff was well attended, with representatives from 28 school districts, 42 community organizations and 8 government offices to share the need for outreach and opportunities for collaboration.

Participants learned:

• Why CalFresh is good for kids, schools, and nutrition program, and how increasing CalFresh enrollment supports schools’ general operating and nutrition services budgets.

• Basics on the CalFresh program, including who is eligible and how to apply.

• Easy ways to get the word out to parents and offer help to families applying.

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Visit www.sdhunger.org/calfreshinschools  for resources to help strengthen CalFresh in your school.

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Why CalFresh Outreach is Good for Students

When kids are enrolled in CalFresh, they get the food they need to succeed both at home and school. California families with children receive an average of $373 a month to help parents afford groceries, pre-COVID. During the pandemic, a family of four receives $835 a month. When students consistently get the food they need, it leads to lower rates of chronic absenteeism, stronger test scores, fewer trips to the nurse and fewer disruptions caused by hungry behavior.

Why CalFresh Outreach is Good for Schools

Students enrolled in CalFresh are automatically certified for free school meals. That means fewer school meal applications to process. CalFresh also improves a school’s ability to operate free summer and afterschool meal programs and to adopt the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), federal funding to serve free meals to all students during the school day. Learn more about CEP by reading our issue brief.

Why CalFresh Outreach is Good for Nutrition Programs

School nutrition programs are getting ready to undergo a transformational change, and CalFresh can help. To prepare for the implementation of Universal Meals for All, new legislation that will require all schools across the state of California to offer free meals to all students in the 2022/2023 school year, increasing CalFresh enrollment and adopting CEP will provide critical federal funding for school meal programs. Cathy Paredes, the Nutrition Services Director at Borrego Springs Unified School District, explained that CEP enrollment is a win-win-win. Students get an increased variety of foods available at no cost to them, and nutrition departments spend less time doing paperwork allowing for more time to meal prep and menu plan.

Get involved!

“When we impact one school district, one child, one community, collectively we impact the entire state and the entire nation.” Cipriano Vargas, Vista Unified School District School Board President

Visit www.sdhunger.org/calfreshinschools  for resources to help strengthen CalFresh in your school. Resources available include:

• Full recording of the CalFresh in Schools Launch

• Toolkit with social media content, robo-call, text message and email scripts to support parent outreach

• Recommendations on how to connect with a CalFresh application assistor near your school.             

Help your team better connect nutrition insecure San Diegans to available food assistance. Register for one of our upcoming Hunger Free Navigator trainings where you and your team will gain knowledge to better understand and connect to food assistance resources across the county.

San Diego Hunger Coalition Endorses Stop Child Hunger Act of 2021

U.S. Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) of the 49th congressional district representing North County San Diego and South Orange County, along with Sen. Murray (D-WA), and Rep. Hayes (D-CT), introduced the Stop Child Hunger Act of 2021. The Stop Child Hunger Act establishes a permanent, nationwide EBT program to ensure children who rely on school meals do not go hungry during school breaks and closures.

Pre-COVID, half of all public school students - over 250,000 children -- were enrolled in the Free & Reduced Price Meal Program. When schools close, whether for a scheduled school closure like summer or an unscheduled school closure like a pandemic or wildfire, families often struggle to ensure their children have the nutritious food they need to learn, grow, and thrive. For kids who rely on school meals for consistent nutrition, missed meals mean setbacks in physical health, emotional health, and academic fulfillment.

COVID-19 forced schools into distanced learning, causing millions of children nationwide to lose access to free and reduced-price school meals. As a result, food insecurity increased most dramatically among families with school-age kids. In San Diego County alone, food insecurity rose from 1 in 5 children to 2 in 5 children since the start of the pandemic. The Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) program, introduced in 2020, was quickly recognized by families and anti-hunger advocates as the most direct and effective way to close the child meal gap during times of school closures.

The rise in food insecurity while school is out of session is not unique to the pandemic. Food insecurity among children increases every summer when schools close their doors, with students of color disproportionately affected. With this knowledge, the Stop Child Hunger Act of 2021 was introduced to build upon the success from the P-EBT program, establishing a permanent nutrition program for eligible children when they are out of school.

“This pandemic exposed how serious the child hunger crisis is when kids aren’t being fed at school, and we must do more to fill the void so every child has the nutrition they need to grow and thrive year-round,” said Rep. Levin. “Our Stop Child Hunger Act will ensure that eligible families have the benefits they need to put food on the table and replace meals that kids would typically receive at school, building off programs we know work well."

The Stop Child Hunger Act of 2021 will ensure that:

• Pandemic-EBT is converted from a pilot into a permanent, nationwide program.

• When schools are closed for more than 5 days, EBT benefits are authorized for eligible households with balance worth the daily value of school lunch and breakfast up to a maximum of $123 a month per child.

  • This includes summer and winter school breaks.

• Benefit cards can be used to purchase food from stores that accept CalFresh.

San Diego Hunger Coalition proudly endorses the Stop Child Hunger Act of 2021, with CEO Anahid Brakke stating, “No child should ever have to experience the devastating impacts of hunger or malnutrition. Yet every summer, we see parents struggling to put enough food on the table when school meals aren’t available. The Stop Child Hunger Act of 2021 offers an easy, practical solution: give parents with very low incomes a little extra money on an EBT card when school is out, so they can purchase more healthy food for their kids. The funds are spent in local grocery stores, parents can buy what their kids will eat and, most importantly, children don’t have to worry about getting enough to eat during school breaks. I commend Congressman Levin for listening to the voices of his district and applying the lessons learned from this devastating pandemic to make lasting change to end childhood hunger.” 

Hunger Advocacy Network's 2020 Legislative Priorities

2020 has presented unusual challenges for hunger relief in the United States. The Hunger Advocacy Network (HAN) has focused its attention on federal and state legislation and policies that ease the strain felt by millions of Americans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of the unusual times in which we find ourselves, HAN has voted to focus efforts on three bills in the 2020 California legislative cycle that will advance hunger relief efforts throughout the State.

Legislative advocacy is one of the most effective ways to implement lasting change by becoming an active part of American democracy. Below are easy-read overviews of the 2020 state legislative priorities.

Questions? Contact John Millspaugh, Policy & Engagement Manager, at john@sdhunger.org.

Legistlative Priorities:

AB 2413 CalFresh Eligibility & Reporting

SB 33 Online EBT Purchasing

SB 882 Simplified CalFresh Application

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AB 2413 (Ting) CalFresh Eligibility and Reporting

Update 7/02/2020: Gutted and amended to focus on climate change. Not a HAN priority.

Background: The application for CalFresh (known nationally as SNAP or food stamps) is a long process that can be burdensome on both those applying for assistance and the government agencies who administer the program. One of the biggest hurdles for applicants is the need to provide verification of income and expenses at least twice per year. This often takes the form of various documents such as pay stubs or signed letters from an employer. This results in increased “churn” or individuals who lose their benefits when they are still eligible and must reapply. Churn creates an additional burden on individuals and families in need of assistance and on government agencies who must process these unnecessary additional applications.

What This Bill Does: This bill will simplify and streamline the application and reporting process for CalFresh. It will allow applicants to self-confirm income and expenses, also known as self-attestation. This is expected to reduce churn. The bill will also require government agencies to implement text messaging reminders for individuals who must file a mid-year report or recertify their eligibility for CalFresh. The bill will also streamline the application process by improving dual enrollment whereby an individual who applies for Medi-Cal and is likely eligible for federal food assistance will be provided with a pre-filled application for CalFresh using the information they have provided for Medi-Cal enrollment or recertification.

Impact: The financial impact is minimal, estimated in the low- to mid-hundreds of thousands. The policy changes, if implemented, will likely result in increased enrollment, increased retention of benefits, and a streamlined application process that will reduce the burden on applicants and ease administrative logjams. The bill would impact all CalFresh recipients and applicants, who total more than 300,000 annually in San Diego alone.

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SB 33 (Skinner) Online EBT for Grocery Purchases

Updated 8/20/2020: Held under submission by Committee on Appropriations. Dead.

Background: CalFresh is California’s name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which provides monthly grocery benefits based on income and household size to eligible individuals. Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card and may be used at retailers authorized by the state of California to accept EBT payments. Hunger advocate studies demonstrate several barriers to using EBT cards at authorized retailers, including mobility and transportation limitations, as well as a simple lack of retailers within a given community. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, the ability to make online grocery purchases for home delivery using EBT was limited to a small pilot in only a couple of states. In April 2020, online purchasing was temporarily approved for California for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, but only for Amazon and Wal-Mart.

What This Bill Does: This bill is expected to be revised. Originally, the bill created a stakeholder group that would begin meeting February 2021 to make recommendations to the California Department of Social Services on how to prepare for a statewide rollout of online purchases using EBT cards. This would help guide safe and ethical standards for online EBT purchases. In April 2020, after the bill was drafted, online EBT purchases were authorized due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advocates and hunger relief experts expect the current version of the bill to be reworked to:

• Expand online EBT purchasing beyond the current pandemic;

• Authorize the exploration of additional online retailers (beyond Walmart and Amazon); and

• Safeguard online EBT users from aggressive marketing and from having their personal information compromised or sold.

Impact: The fiscal impact is expected to be in the low hundred thousands. Online EBT purchasing is expected to make it easier for CalFresh users to access healthy and fresh food via home delivery. This bill is particularly important for elderly and disabled persons, rural households, and households in food deserts. The bill would impact all CalFresh recipients and applicants, who total more than 300,000 annually in San Diego alone.

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SB 882 (Wiener) Simplified CalFresh Application for Seniors & Adults with Disabilities

Updated 6/19/2020: Held under submission by Committee on Appropriations. Dead.

Background: CalFresh (known nationally as SNAP or food stamps) is one of our most effective tools for combatting food insecurity. The application process can be unnecessarily burdensome, especially for older adults and individuals with a disability who have no income. The application for CalFresh is a difficult 16-page document. Regular reporting requirements, including signatures, often lead to individuals losing access to benefits even though they remain eligible. San Diego County is one of the few counties in California that allows for telephonic signatures. Under the COVID-19 pandemic, the application process was made easier to accommodate a 300% increase in applicants. Many of the temporary COVID-19 policy changes are included in this bill for long-term policy and have proven successful.

California participates in the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) which allows States to streamline the application process for CalFresh/SNAP. However, California has not participated in the parts of this program that allows for user-friendly applications for seniors and the waiving of semi-annual reports for ESAP households.*

*An ESAP household is one in which all members are elderly or disabled and do not have any income.

What This Bill Does: This bill would require California to participate in all aspects of ESAP. This means that all counties must accept telephonic signatures and implement simplified applications for older adults with no income and people with disabilities with no income. Some streamlined application policies implemented during COVID-19 would continue beyond the pandemic, including the waiver of semi-annual reporting for ESAP households.

Impact: Financial impact is estimated to be a one-time cost of $1 million. However, this cost will be offset by an estimated annual savings of $7.6 million due to decreased administrative burden on counties. It is also expected that there will be an increase in applications, approvals, and CalFresh benefits retention.

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Become a Hunger Free Activist

Would you like to take an active role in ending hunger in San Diego County? Become a Hunger Free Activist! You will receive calls-to-action and regular updates on how you can play an active role in creating a Hunger Free San Diego.

Food Insecurity on College Campuses

Written by: Salma Soliman, Student Intern, University of California, San Diego (Graduated 2019)

Since the beginning of 2015, San Diego Hunger Coalition (SDHC) has been working towards addressing the unfortunate yet prevalent issue of college hunger. In an effort to meet students where they are, the Hunger Coalition has brought together campuses and hunger relief partners to provide food assistance and resources to low-income students.

Food or books?

With the on-going inflation of college tuition and cost of living, the number of students struggling with food insecurity has increased greatly; more than 40 percent of University of California and California State University students have reported food insecurity in recent years. Due to financial struggles, many students are forced to skip meals which results in an array of negative effects, including deciding whether to prioritize school or their health.

College hunger must be addressed and prioritized. If it persists, it has the power to widen the disparities in academic success and health. If students are struggling to meet basic needs it is likely they will struggle in different aspects of their life, including their academic work. Those who are food insecure, not getting the appropriate amount of nutrition needed, often feel less energized, have difficulty focusing, and tend to prolong their studies three times more than those students who did not experience food insecurity.  

Up until a few years ago there was little discussion around college hunger. The old trope of the starving college student who lives on ramen normalized college hunger. Within the past few years a new discourse has emerged. The passage of critical state legislation (AB1930) created a window of opportunity for San Diego Hunger Coalition to mobilize the hunger relief community and campuses to connect students to food resources, beginning with CalFresh/SNAP. For the past four years, the CalFresh Task Force has prioritized, “Connecting College Students to CalFresh,” resulting in the development of an online toolkit, San Diego County specialists stationed at college campuses, and dozens of CalFresh-in-a-Day workshops hosted at more than 10 campuses across the county.

CalFresh, paired with expanding on-campus food pantries, provides students with the support they need to refocus their energies on academic success!

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If you or someone you know is a college student and needs food assistance, San Diego Hunger Coalition can help! Check out our College Hunger Toolkit!

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College students want to be heard:

If you could tell anything to politicians or the media about CalFresh or student hunger, what would it be?

“I would just say to listen – listen to what the community is saying, because obviously we are saying it for a reason. We are not complaining for no reason. Take notice of what is going on in the community because it is a dire need out there for food, people really are struggling.”

-Imani, Student at San Diego State University

Could you speak to the challenges of student hunger?

“It’s kind of tough, you know. Sometimes I just survive on granolas. I could show you the amount of granolas I have in my backpack – it’s so many. Because sometimes I just don’t have enough money to go buy food every day .”

Mitzy, Student at San Diego University

What do you think some common misconceptions people have about CalFresh are?

“I think one of the misconceptions is that it’s wrong to ask the government for help. I’m hoping that one day I’ll graduate and have the kind of money to give back what I took. Some people are really stubborn – they don’t want to have other people help them.”

-Edward, Student at San Diego State University

Can you speak to why you are passionate about student hunger?

“I am passionate about student hunger because I know what it feels like. I’ve been there. I’m currently still there, in those shoes. And I wouldn’t want another student to feel hungry or even to go through those kind of feelings that I’ve been through…”

-Elaine, Student at Southwestern College

Latin Food Fest Supports Hunger Relief in San Diego County

The 7th Annual ¡Latin Food Fest! comes to the San Diego Bay on August 17th and 18th and is helping to raise awareness and funds to fight hunger in San Diego County. 100% of all proceeds from “Designated Driver” tickets, silent auctions, and gifts made through the festival’s website will go to the Hunger Coalition to support our Hunger Free Kids program.

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About ¡Latin Food Fest!

The West Coast’s premiere Hispanic culinary celebration includes the high-energy festival kick-off extravaganza “Latin Spirits Festival,” followed by “Gran Tasting,” which features food, beverage, wine, beer, and spirits stations, cooking and cocktail demos by award winning chefs and mixologists.

Use promo code SDHUNGER for 10% off the price of tickets.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.latinfoodfest.com.

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About Hunger Free Kids

San Diego Hunger Coalition’s Hunger Free Kids Program works with schools, district, government agencies, and nonprofits to start or expand federal child nutrition programs. Our research shows that in 2016 there were $170 million in unused federal resources for free meals for low-income children in San Diego County. Through our Hunger Free Kids Program, we help schools and nonprofits access these resources and use them to their fullest potential to feed more kids in need.

Learn more at sdhunger.org/hunger-free-kids

The Most Important Meal

School Breakfast Linked to Positive Outcomes

Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, and recent studies have confirmed this long-held truth. Schools that participate in the federal School Breakfast Program report better outcomes for:

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• Academic performance: Students who eat school breakfast score higher on math tests.

• Attendance: Student attendance improves when they provide breakfast to their students through various breakfast programs.

• Graduation rates: Students who eat breakfast on average attend 1.5 more days of school per year.

• Behavior: School breakfast reduces disruptive behavior that results in disciplinary actions.

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So why aren’t more kids participating in school breakfast?

The truth is that most schools do offer breakfast before classes start. But making a balanced meal available isn’t enough if students can’t get to school in time to enjoy it. That’s why the San Diego Hunger Coalition supports Breakfast After the Bell, a program that give students another chance to get something to eat before the lunch hour.

There are three ways that schools can offer Breakfast After the Bell:

If you know a school in your area that does not serve Breakfast After the Bell and would like to help them start, contact Paloma Perez, Hunger Free Kids Director, at (619) 501-7917 ext. 104 or paloma@sdhunger.org.

Summer Meals Success Story - Hunger Free Kids

                On a sunny Wednesday in mid-July, over 100 kids gather at the Cesar Chavez Community Center in San Ysidro for burgers, hot dogs, watermelon, corn, milk, and juice. There is music, activities, face painting, and a chance to meet and play games with local police officers. Spread out amongst picnic tables, blankets, playgrounds, and benches, families enjoy a beautiful San Diego summer day. Parents love the healthy food and safe environment, and the chance for their kids to do something fun.

                “I’ve lived here for 35 years, this is the first time I’ve come,” says Javier, a father of two girls. Javier’s daughters are enjoying watermelon, low-fat milk, hotdogs, and corn on the cob. “I’ve been financially strapped lately, so BBQs like this are great to give my kids something to do during the summer. I wish there were more activities like this.”

South Bay Union School District (SBUDS) is a member of San Diego Hunger Coalition’s (SDHC) Hunger Free Kids Task Force. The Hunger Free Kids Program provides free technical support and ongoing guidance for schools, districts, and

nonprofits working to end child hunger in San Diego. San Diego Hunger Coalition has worked with SBUSD for nearly two years on SDHC’s initiative to ensure all children have access to wholesome meals each day throughout the year, so that parents like Javier have can bring their kids to safe spaces year-round for free meals and activities.

In 2019, South Bay Union School District received the United States Department of Agriculture’s Turnip the Beet gold award which recognizes outstanding Summer Meal Program sponsors for their work offering high-quality meals that are appetizing, appealing, and nutritious. SBUSD was one of three in California to receive the honor. One of the services provided by SDHC is media and public relations for partners with limited resources. When the Hunger Coalition put out the call for media, KUSI News responded with an on-site interview and news segment.

                “It’s really important to make sure these kids are getting enough healthy food to eat during the summer,” says Ana Castro, Registered Dietitian for South Bay Union School District during an interview with KUSI News, “It’s nice to see kids happy, and see how summer meals take the strain off of families.”

                SBUSD’s Summer Meals Program is focused on bringing people together in a way that resonates with the community. Because the school district serves a lot of Imperial Beach residents who love the outdoors, many of the summer meal sites are in parks or community centers. SBUSD also serves culturally appropriate meals that appeal to kids such as tamales, grilled

cheese sandwiches, burritos, and pizza. Kids love the food, parents love the locations, and participants keep coming back year after year.

                “I brought 35 kids from our summer camp with the help of 15 high school volunteers,” says Yesenia Nuñez with Casa Familiar Youth Center during an interview with San Diego Hunger Coalition. “The kids love the watermelon and corn, and they’re excited about the new playground!”

                A cornerstone of SBUSD’s Summer Meals Program are weekly BBQ’s. SBUSD invites families to a different site every week so that they can reach as many kids as possible. Hosted in partnership with the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, every BBQ includes fun activities such as Zumba, live music, free curated samples of fresh produce, a food distribution provided by Feeding San Diego who is also a Hunger Free Kids Taskforce member and fire and police department meet and greets.

                “Our slogan is to eat smart and play hard, and we really try to emphasize that,” says Manuel Gonzalez, District Manager with San Diego Parks and Recreation, “this partnership is so important, we wouldn’t be able to do it without South Bay Union School District. This is really a manifestation of all of the resources available to the community.”

SDHC has been a long supporter of expanding child nutrition programs in South Bay and in 2018 helped the district with securing a grant to implement Breakfast in the Classroom at Berry and Central Elementary Schools, ensuring more than 500 additional kids don’t miss the most important meal of the day.

Beck & Cage the Elephant support hunger relief in San Diego

In July 2019, Beck, Cage the Elephant, and Spoon are coming to San Diego for their Night Running Tour at the North Island Amphitheatre. The bands have selected San Diego Hunger Coalition as the beneficiary for a grant funded by a $1 add-on to each concert ticket sold. The bands are also hosting a special opportunity drawing for two VIP passes with a chance to meet Cage the Elephant after the concert. You are entered into the drawing when you make a donation through their website. Enter the drawing by July 19, 2019!

Donations are coordinated by Canadian nonprofit Plus1, whose programs are based on the idea that art is both a form of expression and a catalyst for change. They engage celebrity artists to create publicity, momentum, and funding for nonprofit organizations in the cities in which the artists perform.

For the Night Running Tour, all three bands selected Hunger Relief as their cause, and San Diego Hunger Coalition is in good company for the recipients of the tour’s grants!

Thank you to Beck, Cage the Elephant, Spoon, and Plus1! We are thrilled to be a part of this tour!

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2019 CalFresh Challenge

Every year, the San Diego Hunger Coalition challenges San Diego residents to eat on the average CalFresh budget for up to five days. For the 2019 CalFresh Challenge, the budget was $4.07/day per person. The purpose of the challenge is to raise awareness of hunger in our communities while giving people a glimpse of what it is like to live on a meager food budget.

This year, several of our staff members took the CalFresh Challenge for the full five days. Below are some pictures from their week.

If you took the CalFresh Challenge, we would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. If you were unable to take the challenge this year, that’s okay! There are lots of ways you can support hunger relief in our community, including making a donation to support our CalFresh Outreach Program.

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Joe Shumate, Communications Officer

Shopping trip for Joe and his wife. They found it easier to stay on the CalFresh budget if they prepared a mostly vegan menu.

Joe’s lunch every day during the CalFresh Challenge.

Joe’s dinner for two nights of the challenge.

This was Joe’s dinner for one of the nights. He was finishing up his master’s degree with late-night classes and found he didn’t have the energy to cook by the time he got home after working all day and then going to school.

Dinner for Joe and his wife - cucumber nori rolls.

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Amanda Schultz Brochu, Senior Director of Programs

Amanda’s shopping trip for the CalFresh Challenge. Amanda has done this challenge for several years and has learned how to shop for healthy and filling food on a limited budget. It’s a skill and takes time.

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Jaqueline Hess, CalFresh Program Manager

Jaqueline’s shopping trip for the CalFresh Challenge.

Dinner and Jaqueline’s lunches for the week.

One of Jaqueline’s dinners. She admits it wasn’t the healthiest choice, but it was one of the most affordable on her limited budget.

Hunger Advocacy Network's 2019 Legislative Priorities

Each year the Hunger Advocacy Network, facilitated by the San Diego Hunger Coalition, selects local, state, and federal legislative priorities that the group follows closely and advocates for or against. These priorities have the potential to deeply impact hunger relief in positive or negative ways.

Legislative advocacy is one of the most effective ways to implement lasting change by becoming an active part of American democracy. Below are easy-read overviews of the 2019 priorities.

Questions? Contact Amanda Schultz Brochu, Senior Director of Programs, at amanda@sdhunger.org.

Legistlative Priorities:

AB 341 CalHeers Applications

AB 494 Shelter Expense

AB 842 Hunger Free Preschool

AB 614 Food Bank Tax Credit

AB 1229 Foster Youth Hunger

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AB 341 CalHEERS Applications for CalFresh

UPDATE (07/03/19): Referred to appropriations for hearing on 04/24/2019 - hearing not set, died in suspense.

Background: When the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010, California was required to create a way for people to enroll in affordable healthcare plans. The state created CalHEERS, an online system where people can input their information and select the healthcare program that is right for them. In many instances, health coverage is provided by Medi-Cal, California’s government-funded health program for low-income residents. Often, when someone is eligible for Medi-Cal, they are also eligible for CalFresh food assistance benefits.

What This Bill Does: This bill will allow applicants applying for affordable healthcare through the CalHEERS online system to apply for CalFresh at the same time.

Impact: There will be a potential increase in CalFresh enrollment due to simplifying the application process and removing the stigma that is attached to asking for food assistance by circumventing direct application. There may be an accompanying decrease in food insecurity throughout the State of California. Although more California residents may start receiving CalFresh benefits, this will not cost taxpayers any additional money since CalFresh is federally funded and these funds will be collected through federal income taxes regardless of whether this bill passes.

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AB 494 Shelter Expense Deduction

UPDATE (07/25/19): Signed by Governor Newsome!

Background: When a person applies for CalFresh food assistance, the county takes their cost of living into account when determining the amount of benefits they will receive. Applicants qualify for more benefits if they have higher housing expenses. Under federal law, states may select for themselves how to verify cost of housing. In California, this process is often drawn-out, difficult, and prone to multiple barriers for low-income residents such as lack of timely access to lease agreements, the cost of duplicating and sending paperwork to the appropriate offices, and living situations without a lease.

What This Bill Does: This bill will simplify the process by allowing applicants to submit a self-certified statement of their housing expenses. Counties may still request further verification if the applicant’s statement is questionable and their housing costs seem out of the ordinary.

Impact: There may be reduced administrative costs to counties that will no longer have to expend resources on a time-consuming verification process. This bill will also remove barriers to low-income families in high-cost-of-housing regions in California from accessing CalFresh benefits. This will increase the stability of these households and their access to healthy food while stimulating the local economy. There may be an accompanying decrease in food insecurity throughout the State of California. Although CalFresh benefits may increase for some recipients, this will not cost taxpayers any additional money since CalFresh is federally funded and these funds will be collected through federal income taxes regardless of whether this bill passes.

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AB 842 Hunger-Free Preschool

UPDATE (10/31/19): Vetoed by Governor Newsome.

Background: California State law requires that all needy children in grades K-12 be provided at least one nutritionally balanced meal each school day for free or low-cost. These meals are generally reimbursable through federal child nutrition programs, and the State of California has created an additional fund to supplement federal funding. Most preschool and child care providers, however, are excluded from funding for child nutrition and low-income children in public preschool and subsidized childcare remain the only public school students not guaranteed access to a nutritious, affordable meal.

What This Bill Does: This bill will expand existing child nutrition programs to include pre-school and child care facilities operated by a school district, county, or state. Part-day facilities will be required by law to provide one nutritionally-balanced meal, full-day facilities will be required to provide two nutritionally-balanced meal.

Impact: Low-income children will be guaranteed at least one nutritious meal each school day. Studies show that proper nutrition at these young ages reduce the risk of childhood obesity and diabetes and increase academic performance and physical and mental development. This bill will also help low-income families meet their basic needs by reducing the household grocery bill and freeing up funds for other necessities such as clothing and housing.

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AB 614 Food Bank Tax Credit

UPDATE (10/31/19): Signed by Governor Newsome!

Background: California is the nation’s largest producer of agriculture, providing half of the United States’ fresh produce. The state currently allows a tax deduction for growers and harvesters of fresh fruit and produce who donate a portion of their surplus to food banks. Nonetheless, California experiences high levels of food insecurity, food deserts, and food waste.

What This Bill Does: This bill will expand access to the tax credit provided to agricultural growers by adding additional staple items grown and produced in California such as dairy, canned goods, and processed grains. It will also expand who may request a tax credit to include not only growers and harvesters but also food manufacturers and preparation facilities.

Impact: This bill will potentially increase access to healthy foods via food banks who may have an increased supply of shelf-stable food staples. California growers and producers will also receive financial relief in the form of a tax credit for food products not sold. This bill may also result in reduced food waste which is a drain on precious California resources, such as water, and an environmental hazard.

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AB 1229 End Foster Youth Student Hunger in California Act of 2019

UPDATE (07/03/19): Died in suspense.

Background: Under the current law, college students may receive CalFresh (SNAP) food assistance if they meet very strict eligibility guidelines. Foster youth going to college must meet those same guidelines, but without the support system that many traditional students have. Foster youth have poorer educational outcomes when compared to their non-foster peers due to financial instability and lack of support. Increasing access to food is a researched-backed way to improve educational outcomes while providing a financial lift.

What This Bill Does: This bill would establish a new nutritional support program for transitional foster youth (between the ages of 18 and 21) that will provide benefits amounting to the cost of a meal plan at post-high school educational institutions a foster youth is currently attending. The meal plan or meal plan equivalent must provide 10 meals/week. The bill will also ensure that foster youth are not denied CalFresh benefits because they have received housing assistance or are participating in an unpaid internship instead of a paid job.

Impact: This bill will ensure that current and former foster youth have enough to eat, both through CalFresh (SNAP) and college meal programs. The expected outcomes are improved academic performance in higher education programs, and increased graduation rates with certifications, associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees. Completion of higher education prepares foster youths to excel and succeed in their post-foster system lives.

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Additional Critical Hunger Relief Bills

AB 612 CalFresh Restaurant Meals

Update (10/31/2019): Signed by Governor Newsome!

Background: Restaurants on California State University campuses are able to participate in the California’s CalFresh Restaurant Meal Program (RMP). Currently students attending community colleges are only be able to access the program if their county participates.

What this bill does: The bill would expand the CalFresh RMP to any and all California community colleges, even if that country does not participate in the Restaurant Meal Program.

Impact: This bill would allow community college students with a disability or who are homeless to be able to use their CalFresh as participating restaurants on their community college campuses.

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AB 942 Access to Safe Food Choices and Food Security Act of 2019

Update (10/31/2019): Signed by Governor Newsome!

Background: The Restaurant Meal Program (RMP) allows CalFresh recipients who are over the age of 60, have a disability, or are homeless to use their CalFresh benefits to purchase meals at qualified restaurants. Counties are currently ablate apply to the state to implement RMP. 11 counties across California are currently implementing RMP.

What this bill does: This bill would expand access to the RMP to all eligible CalFresh recipients by requiring the CA Department of Social Services, to the extent permitted. by federal law and in consultation with various stakeholders, to establish statewide RMP on or before September 1, 2020.

Impact: This bill would greatly expand access to hot meals for individuals who are unable to prepare hot meals due to physical or cognitive limitations, or lack of proper meal preparation facilities. The decrease of food insecurity and improvement of health outcomes has not been determined at the time of this writing.

CA Seniors, people with disabilities, newly eligible for both SSI and CalFresh!

Starting in June 2019, major changes are coming to Californians who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Previously, SSI recipients were ineligible in California to also receive CalFresh (SNAP) benefits. This will end in June!

For more information, check out our SSI Repients page on our website.

Nonprofit and community organizations can find helpful resources on our SSI partner page.

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Background:

When the SSI program began in the 1970’s, states were given the option to include a cash benefit for food, lumped into SSI payments, instead of providing food stamps for SSI recipients. This was known as the “SSI Cashout” and was a way for states to save on administrative costs while still providing for their low-income residents.

Over the years, the SSI Cashout has become a problem for many low-income Californians. One of the problems is that the $10 food benefit started in the 1970’s never saw an increase. in 2019, SSI recipients still get the same $10 for food assistance, while they remain ineligible for CalFresh benefits. Additionally, the current individual SSI benefit total is the same level it was in 1983! Someone on SSI will receive an average payment of $932/month while the 2019 federal poverty level is $1,040/.month.

What does this all mean?

Many Californians are below the poverty level and struggling to meet their basic needs. Those on SSI often have to make the tough choices between paying for housing, medicine, and food. The Hunger Coalition was active and instrumental in gathering momentum to end SSI Cashout an reinstate state funding to increase SSI benefits and a Cost of Living Adjustment. This year, these efforts were successful! The changes that take effect in June 2019 have the potential to significantly reduce food insecurity among seniors and people with disabilities in San Diego County and across the state of California.

The San Diego Hunger Coalition is actively training and working with local nonprofit organizations, the County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency, and the California Department of Social Services to educate and inform those affected by the changes and encourage those eligible for CalFresh to apply. We have created special web pages with information and resources for both SSI recipients and the organizations that serve them.

Questions? Contact Jaqueline Hess, CalFresh Program Manager, at jaqueline@sdhunger.org.