CA Secured Court Rulings Restoring CalFresh for Millions
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Like many of you, I too was concerned and worried over CalFresh food assistance benefits being delayed for an estimated 5.5 million Californians, including 130,000 recipients within Santa Clara County alone.
To prevent Californians who depend on the program from losing their benefits this November, California stepped in to restore them by successfully securing two court rulings which then compelled the federal administration to fully disburse 100% of the funds that were previously congressionally allocated for the national Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh within our state. Following the court rulings, the federal administration appealed the court’s decision requesting that the funds continue to be withheld due to the prolonged and ongoing federal government shutdown, which has since ended as of this week. Due to the court’s decision, CalFresh recipients started to receive and will continue to receive their benefits this month.
Even before the results of the two court rulings, however, California stepped up to the plate allocating $80 million to food banks across the state, in addition to deploying the state’s National Guard to aid with distribution efforts. Overall, California continues to lead the way against actions that negatively affect everyday residents.
But just because CalFresh benefits have been restored, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have Californians in our community who go without food. Sometimes, the CalFresh benefits given aren’t enough to cover all of the groceries for low-income individuals, families with children, and seniors on a fixed income. If you find yourself being food insecure and need groceries or a warm meal, please visit Second Harvest Food Bank to find a food bank near you.
The following organizations also provide groceries and warm meals to individuals on a daily basis:
- Martha's Kitchen located on 749 Story Road, San Jose, CA 95122
- Loaves and Fishes Family Kitchen of San Jose has different San Jose locations
- Hunger at Home located on 1560 Berger Drive, San Jose, CA 95112
- Santa Clara County Senior Nutrition Program has various locations
- Reach Out Food Pantry located at St. Catherine Alexandria Catholic Church located on 17400 Peak Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037
- South County Community Services located at 7950 Church Street, Gilroy, CA 95020
Sincerely,
 |
Dave Cortese, Senator
California State Senate - District 15