May is CalFresh Awareness Month: Let’s Remove the Barriers to Applying for Food Assistance

May is CalFresh Awareness Month: Let’s Remove the Barriers to Applying for Food Assistance

The Departments of Public Social Services (DPSS) and Public Health Healthy Living Program are launching activities in Los Angeles County today for the annual statewide CalFresh Awareness Month (CFAM) campaign.

The campaign is a unique opportunity to highlight the collaboration between government and community-based agencies to spread awareness about the many benefits of the CalFresh Program.

Consistent access to food is the foundation of a strong and healthy community. However, many low-income households and individuals face considerable barriers when applying for CalFresh. Whether it’s living in food desert communities with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables, or the stigmas associated with receiving food assistance, many low-income households and individuals face considerable barriers when applying for CalFresh.

Recent data from the DPH L.A. County Health Survey (LACHS), reveals that hardworking families continue to struggle to put food on the table.  The survey provides a deeper look at the impact that food insecurity is having on communities of color. In 2023, over a third of Black adults, or 34.7%, reported living in households that were nutritionally insecure, as did a third of Latinx adults, or 35.8% who reported experiencing food insecurity.

The CFAM partnership has developed an ongoing countywide strategy to publicize the benefits of CalFresh and simplify the process of applying. The publicizing of CalFresh is an effective way to combat food insecurity each year to ensure the health and well-being of thousands of low-income individuals and families across the county.

Learn more about CalFresh or apply online at www.BenefitsCal.com.   

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