CalFresh Food To Come Early From Santa Clara County

SAN JOSE, CA – In an effort to assist its most vulnerable residents, Santa Clara County has pushed up the distribution its citizens' monthly CalFresh benefits. The county was concerned the federal program may have experienced interruption in the service due to the federal government shutdown. With that, the Social Services Agency was authorized to issue the February allotment to eligible households this week.

The early distribution of funds does not represent additional benefits. It's just coming earlier than usual. Households are urged to budget their benefits accordingly to ensure that they have funds available to purchase food in February.

“CalFresh clients will continue to need food and adequate nutrition, despite the federal government shutdown. This is a basic need,” county Executive Jeffrey V. Smith said. “We continue to work in partnership with the state to prevent low-income families from experiencing the devastating effects of hunger.”

Other public benefits such as CalWORKs, Cash Assistance for Immigrants, General Assistance, Foster Care, and Medi-Cal programs are not impacted as they are run out of the state government.

“Our priority is not only to ensure that CalFresh recipients receive their food benefits for the month of February, but, just as importantly, to keep them informed about all relevant changes and developments,” Margareta Hodzic, assistant director of the Department of Employment and Benefit Services, said.

--Image via David Allen, Patch