CalFresh Recipients Encouraged to Stretch Benefits as Government Shutdown Continues
January 24, 2019
(Riverside, CA) Customers who receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), or CalFresh, and were issued their February benefits early, by Wednesday January 16, should plan their food budget to last through the end of February as the federal government shutdown continues. CalFresh customers who received benefits early will not receive another issuance in February. The next scheduled issuance will be in early March 2019. The early issuance does not apply to new applications, which will continue to be accepted and processed normally. If you have any further questions please call 1-877-410-8827.
Customers with an eligibility status report (SAR 7) or recertification due in January that is complete and received before January 31, 2019 will receive benefits in February as regularly scheduled, provided Federal Reserve Funds are available. The Department is collaborating with local community and faith-based organizations to assist in providing additional resources to CalFresh recipients impacted by the federal government shutdown. CalFresh serves low-income families and individuals that meet certain income guidelines. CalFresh benefits help supplement recipients’ food budget and allow families and individuals to buy nutritious food.
In Riverside County in December 2018, 114,000 families received CalFresh benefits. These families included a total of 244,700 people.
