CalFresh Households Can Receive Replacement Benefits for Food Lost in July Fires

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. —CalFresh households whose food was lost because of the Rabbit, Gavilan, Reche, and Highland fires, which started on July 15, have until August 14 to report the impact and request replacement benefits.

The federal government and State recently approved extending the normal reporting period for food loss from 10 to 30 days. The additional time allows CalFresh households in affected communities to assess their losses and recover as much as possible.

State officials estimated nearly 21,650 households in the impacted areas received an estimated $4.3 million in CalFresh benefits, some of which may have been used to purchase food subsequently destroyed in the fires. 

“These fires were devastating for many families. We want our customers to know we’re here to help recover losses as quickly as possible,” said Allison Gonzalez, assistant director of Riverside County’s Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) “We encourage families to reach out to us before August 14 to request benefit replacement if they were impacted by the fires.”

To report food loss directly resulting from these fires, CalFresh customers may call 1-877-410-8827,report in person at their nearest DPSS office, or online at BenefitsCal.com by August 14.

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 and Walmart.

Impacted county residents in need of food assistance and not already receiving CalFresh benefits are encouraged to apply for CalFresh by calling 1-877-410-8827, visiting their nearest DPSS office or going online at BenefitsCal.com.