L.A. County Launches Campaign to Reduce Hunger

Los Angeles County has launched a campaign to reduce hunger and increase access to food assistance, partly by designating May as the month during which a series of events would highlight the importance of procuring "CalFresh" benefits, formerly known as food stamps.

"In this great county of ours, there are still children that are going to sleep hungry at night," Department of Public Social Services Acting Director Sheryl Spiller said in an April 30 presentation to the Board of Supervisors.

The number of American homes without enough food more than tripled in the past four years, and a record high number of individuals in Los Angeles County, the nation's largest, are getting aid, Spiller said. That's more than 1 million people, or roughly 10 percent of the population, she added.

But the county estimates that only about half of those eligible for CalFresh are receiving help. The county hopes to reach more of those in need during "CalFresh Awareness Month" throughout May.

Lower-income communities are also at greater risk for obesity, diabetes and other diseases, so the county has enlisted the help of local supermarkets,
farmers' markets, food banks and school districts to promote healthier food
choices and more exercise.

"Hunger is an issue that affects us all, and this collaboration represents an intense effort to serve those most vulnerable in Los Angeles County, particularly during this tough economic time," Spiller said.

CalFresh benefits vary depending on need, but a family of four making less than $2,422 per month can receive up to $668 of food assistance.

Applications are processed within 30 days and in emergency situations—such as a family making less than $150 per month—households may receive
CalFresh benefits within three days. Benefits are transferred via an electronic
card that can be used instead of cash at the grocery store.

"One of the highest priorities of the Department of Public Social Services is to reduce hunger," Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said.

More information on CalFresh benefits can be found here or by calling a health and nutrition hotline at (877) 597-4777. Applications are available here.