CalFresh Households Can Access Replacement Benefits for Food Lost in Hawarden and Eagle Fires
July 29, 2024
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. — Following the Hawarden and Eagle fires that started on July 21, Riverside County households affected by power outages and food loss can now get replacement benefits for groceries bought with CalFresh funds. Residents have until August 19 to report their food losses and request these vital benefits.
The State has extended the reporting period for food loss from 10 to 30 days due to the recent fires. This extra time allows families to assess their losses and get the support they need to recover.
State officials estimate that around 23,511 active CalFresh households in the affected areas, who received about $4.8 million in benefits, may have lost food purchased with these funds.
“We are dedicated to helping our customers recover their food losses quickly,” said Allison Gonzalez, assistant director of the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), overseeing the Self-Sufficiency Division. “We urge families affected by these fires to contact us before August 19 to apply for replacement benefits.”
CalFresh recipients in Riverside County who lost food due to the fires can report their losses by calling 1-877-410-8827, visiting a local DPSS office, or submitting a report at BenefitsCal.com by August 19.
CalFresh is California’s largest food assistance program, offering monthly electronic benefits for groceries at many stores, farmers markets, and certain online retailers like Amazon, Ralphs, and Walmart.
Riverside County residents needing food assistance yet not currently enrolled in CalFresh are encouraged to apply at BenefitsCal.com, call 1-877-410-8827, or visit their nearest DPSS office.
# # #
