Food Stamps/CalFresh

CalFresh is the new name for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in California.  Formerly known as the Food Stamps Program, this is a federal program run through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Eligible individuals can apply for CalFresh benefits through an application process through the Los Angeles County Department of Social Services (LADPSS).

CalFresh is intended to help low-income people put healthy food on their tables each month. The program also stimulates state and local economies because it brings federal dollars into our communities eveywhere that SNAP benefits can be redeemed, such as grocery stores or Farmers' Markets.

California has much to gain by insuring that all eligible residents enroll in the program and receive their CalFresh benefits. Unfortunately, CalFresh is not used enough here in Los Angeles County. Many eligible low-income residents (and the grocery stores in their neighborhoods) are missing out on valuable help because they do not participate in the program.

As part of our mission to mobilize resources to fight hunger in our community, the Food Bank runs a Food Stamp Outreach Program in partnership with the LA County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) and our charitable agency partners. Through this program, the Food Bank sends trained outreach workers to food pantries during food distribution times. While visiting the pantries, outreach workers are available to answer questions about the SNAP program, and accept applications from clients who wish to apply. After the preliminary parts of the application are completed, Food Bank Outreach Workers deliver them to the appropriate local DPSS office (determined by zip code) for processing.

How can I get more information about CalFresh?

You can visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services website for more specific information. 

I am a Food Bank Member Agency. How can I get the Food Bank's Food Stamp Outreach Team to come to one of my food distributions?

Please contact Jessica Jones, Food Bank Policy & Outreach Manager, to make an appointment.

I am an individual. How can I connect with the Food Bank's Food Stamp Outreach Team to get help signing up for Food Stamps?

Please contact Jessica Jones, Food bank Policy & Outreach Manager, to ask about upcoming Food Stamp Outreach dates. You can also call the Food Bank's Food Stamp Outreach Team directly at (323) 234-3030 X 187