11th Round Of CalFresh Benefits Distributed Across RivCo

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Another round of CalFresh benefits hit Electronic Benefits Transfer cards across Riverside County this Sunday, helping low-income residents obtain nutritious food during the depressed coronavirus economy.

During the pandemic, qualifying households can be eligible for the maximum CalFresh benefit, meaning a household of two that typically receives $53 in benefits could temporarily receive up to $374 a month, the county said in a news release.

“We’re in a very difficult time when each dollar counts. These benefits help struggling families and seniors maintain a healthy diet and an overall better state of wellbeing,” said Allison Gonzalez, assistant director of Self-Sufficiency at the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services.

Since the pandemic began, some $128 million in emergency food benefits has been distributed to Riverside County households over 10 distributions. Sunday's marked the 11th.

Customers can apply at GetCalFresh.org or by calling the DPSS Customer Service Center at 1-877-410-8827.

CalFresh customers can now use their EBT cards to buy groceries online at participating Albertsons and Vons locations. Since April, Amazon and Walmart have accepted EBT cards for online grocery purchases.

Various restaurants across Riverside County also accept EBT for customers who qualify and locations can be found here. Additionally, many Farmer's Markets across Riverside County accept EBT cards, and many will match each dollar spent up to $10 per family, allowing customers to double their spending.

"Purchasing food from Farmer's Markets, at online grocery sites and at local restaurants are ways for families to have greater access to healthy produce, warm meals and safe, convenient shopping from home," Gonzalez said.

To learn more, including which Farmer's Markets accept EBT cards, click here.

Patch editor Toni McAllister contributed to this report.