The extra help CalFresh has provided some 2.9 million California families with food during the pandemic is coming to an end, and several local agencies are organizing to support those who will be affected by this situation.
For example, in Orange County there will be a Help Fair, where those who need help can sign up for programs they are eligible for, plus they could take groceries and diapers at home, among other things.
During the pandemic, those who were food insecure were able to receive extra help from the CalFresh program, but starting next month, that supplement, which provided an additional $95 to $170 a month to recipients, is ending.
“All food assistance, food, is also ending, we are also concerned about what Medi-Cal insurance is,” said Orange County Second District Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento.
These changes, Sarmiento explained, come because the pandemic emergency declaration has ended, and in the case of Medi-Cal, you will now need to re-enroll, as income levels to qualify for this Medi-Cal coverage Cal also change.
That’s why, in Orange County, this Saturday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., those who need help assessing whether they will be eligible for different supports, can go to Centennial Park , in Santa Ana, near the corner of Edinger Avenue and Fairview Street.
Authorities warn of scams with EBT cards, with which the benefits of the CalFresh program are received.
“We’re going to have county staff and equipment that can help people who are determining in advance if they’re still eligible for Medi-Cal. We’re going to have people that can do the paperwork there,” said added Sarmiento.
Several community outreach agencies will help those who manage to apply for available programs and, by the way, will also distribute baby food and diapers, while supplies last.
Due to the change in CalFresh benefits, families in our area will receive on average about $200 less per month, and when it comes to Medi-Cal medical coverage, many will no longer qualify.
“There will be around 120 or 160,000 people who will be affected who may no longer have insurance,” Sarmiento said.
But there are other options for obtaining medical insurance, as Sarmiento explained, and precisely at the fair they will be able to help you find them and register.
“So they don’t have to go to an office or lose a day’s work, we’re going to do all the paperwork there, we’re going to have a mobile office,” Sarmiento said.
All you need to bring with you is ID, and if you have a CalFresh or Medi-Cal card, bring that with you as well, for a smoother process.
Don’t forget, tomorrow, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Santa Ana, don’t miss the opportunity to receive this help, and regarding the food and diapers that will be distributed, the earlier you arrive, the more you will have chances of getting them, since they will be distributed while supplies last.