CalFresh Households Can Receive Replacement Benefits for Food Lost in Tropical Storm Hilary
September 1, 2023
For Immediate Release
Sept. 1, 2023
Contact:
Gene Kennedy, Senior Public Information Specialist (951) 203-0343
Angela Maria Naso, Public Information Specialist, (951) 660-1925
E-mail at [email protected]
CalFresh Households Can Receive Replacement Benefits for Food Lost in Tropical Storm Hilary
Impacted Riverside County residents have until Sept. 19 to report food loss.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. —CalFresh households that experienced food losses due to Tropical Storm Hilary and used benefits to purchase that food have until Sept. 19 to report the losses and request replacement benefits.
The state recently approved extending the normal reporting period for food loss from 10 to 30 days. The additional time allows impacted CalFresh households in Riverside County to assess their losses and recover as much as possible.
State officials estimate approximately 20,600 households in the affected areas received an estimated $6.5 million in CalFresh benefits, some of which may have been used to purchase food subsequently destroyed because of the August 20 storm.
“This weather event was devastating, and we want our CalFresh customers to know that we’re here to help recover losses as quickly as possible,” said Allison Gonzalez, assistant director of the Self Sufficiency Division at the county’s Department of Public Social Services (DPSS). “We encourage CalFresh customers impacted to reach out in person, by phone or online to request replacement benefits.”
To report loss of CalFresh purchased food as a result of Tropical Storm Hilary, customers may call 1-877-410-8827, visit the nearest DPSS office or request online at BenefitsCal.com by Sept. 19.
CalFresh is the state’s largest food program that issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used to buy groceries at many stores, farmers markets, and online through certain retailers such as Amazon, Ralph’s, and Walmart.
Riverside County residents in need of food assistance and not currently receiving CalFresh benefits are encouraged to apply by calling 1-877-410-8827, visiting their nearest DPSS office or online at BenefitsCal.com.
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