Help Available For CalFresh Recipients Impacted By Wildfires, Power Outages In Riverside County

The following is a news release from the County of Riverside:

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — It has already been an active fire season in Riverside County, and officials are urging residents to take all necessary precautions to stay safe and prepared.

CalFresh customers who lost food purchased with their benefits due to wildfires that began on June 29 and 30—including the Mindy, Wolf, Mandalay, and Juniper fires—may qualify for replacement benefits. Affected households must report their food loss by Monday, July 28 to receive help.

State officials estimate that more than 26,000 CalFresh households in Riverside County received a combined $5.3 million in benefits during the time these fires occurred. Many of these families may now be eligible for replacement support.

To report food loss and request replacement benefits, CalFresh customers can visit BenefitsCal.com, go to their nearest Self-Sufficiency office, or call 1-877-410-8827.

“This fire season has brought real challenges for many families in our region,” said Sandra Bowlan, Interim Assistant Director of the Self-Sufficiency Division at the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS). “If you’ve suffered losses from the recent wildfires or power outages, please don’t wait—reach out to us by July 28 so we can help you recover.”

CalFresh is California’s largest food assistance program, helping eligible households purchase groceries at supermarkets, farmers markets, and online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart.

Residents who are not currently enrolled in CalFresh and need food assistance are encouraged to apply online, by phone, or in person at a Self-Sufficiency office. For office locations, visit rivcodpss.org/office-locations.