“It has been very humbling hearing clients' stories on how COVID-19 and the shelter-in-place has affected them,” said Sandy, 39, an eligibility intake worker responsible for processing CalFresh Food applications in Santa Clara County.

“They have been very appreciative to get CalFresh assistance to feed their families during this really tough time.”

CalFresh Food, California’s name for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP), is a nutrition relief program that supports low-income families and temporarily impacted individuals with food benefits that can be used at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, food outlets, and much more.

Through monthly electronic benefits and a simple application process, the 43-year-old program helps sustain the well-being of families who qualify by supporting them with a way to purchase groceries.

“I knew my job now, more than ever, was going to be extremely important,” the 7-year veteran social worker expressed.

“The shelter-in-place order [has] changed my perception of food assistance programs, in that we need to ensure that we keep funding available. These programs are extremely important to have available.”

Food assistance programs like CalFresh Food allow families in need to access food benefits with the help of workers like Sandy. From assisting applicants through applications, clarifying program eligibility guidelines, and helping those qualified acquire food benefits quickly.

Interested individuals may apply over the phone, mail, fax, application drop box or online. Applicants start the process by completing and submitting a single signature form which consists of their name, address and signature, that’s it.

“The impact these services are making on our community is a positive one. Lack of food is very scary and stressful for families,” the San José native admitted.

“When families do not have to worry about when they will be able to eat, they are able to focus on other important things like the mental and emotional well-being of their families.”

(Photo Courtesy of CalFresh Food)

Santa Clara County workers are able to help qualified applicants put food on the table and get up to $194 a month per household with an application process that takes 10 minutes.

Eligibility workers call interested applicants within a week to determine eligibility and issue Electronic Based Transfer (EBT) cards in 30 days that can be used to purchase groceries.

Not only are EBT cards valid in most grocery stores and farmers' markets, they are discreet cards that can help you in your time of need.

And for social workers standing by to help you get the assistance you need—help is a click away.

“These last few weeks were a bit overwhelming,” said Sandy, a Santa Clara County worker who requested her last name remain anonymous.

“But I would tell families to seek resources from their county eligibility workers. There are so many great organizations helping families ensure food is available.”

Visit GetCalFresh.org to apply or call 1-877-847-3663 (FOOD) to be connected to your local county social service office. You can also go to @2ndharvest of Silicon Valley shfb.org/getfood or call 1-800-984-3663 and one of their Food Connection Specialists can help you find out if you qualify. #SiliconValleyStrong #SVEats #KeepSVHealthy