SANTA CRUS — The California Department of Social Services has announced that low-income individuals and their families affected by the recent severe winter storms in seven counties across the state, including Santa Cruz, may qualify for Disaster Food Benefits. announced that there is
The news comes just days after the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved requests for increased California disaster benefits as a means of boosting recovery efforts in affected counties.
This benefit, provided through the Disaster CalFresh Food Program, will be available to people who lived or worked in the affected counties from February 21 through March 22. During this period, Santa Cruz County and surrounding areas were again hit by heavy rains that set record highs. It can be windy and there can be several inches of snow in the mountains.
A family of four with a monthly income of $3,130 or less may be eligible for food benefits of up to $939 through the program, state officials said in a statement.
People who already receive regular food benefits through CalFresh (State Implementation of Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs for Low-Income Residents) are not eligible for disaster programs.
Local individuals or families who meet the requirements to live or work in the county during the February-March disaster period are eligible if the household experiences at least one of the following as a direct result of the winter storm: There is a possibility.
• At least one member of your household did not receive regular CalFresh food benefits.
• Money was spent due to storms and related power outages.
• I lost money from my job due to a severe winter storm.
• Money was spent on home or business damage.
• Food loss only.
Households can apply April 17-25 by calling the Santa Cruz County Social Services Office at 888-421-8080 or by submitting a pre-registration form online. mybenefitscalwin.org. Community members may also submit a paper application to visit the county’s walk-in sites at 1020 Emmeline Street in Santa Cruz or 18 West Beach Street in Watsonville.
Eligible persons will be provided with an electronic reward transfer card similar to a debit card that can be used to purchase groceries at grocery stores and other authorized retailers. Approved applicants will be notified by the county where to pick up their cards.
Information can also be found here cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/calfresh/disaster-calfresh.
In addition, federal officials have issued a waiver allowing CalFresh recipients in Santa Cruz County to purchase hot, ready-to-eat meals through May 2. Under normal circumstances, hot foods are excluded from eligibility for purchase under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit. according to the letter From Catherine Buhrig, Deputy Program Director.
The Disaster CalFresh program is the latest in a series of state and federal resources made available to County residents following a historically devastating storm season. For the second time this year, Santa Cruz County was included in the Federal Major Disaster Declaration signed by President Joe Biden on April 3.
two Disaster Recovery Center It is currently open at the Felton Library and the Watsonville Government Building. Residents affected by the storms from February 21 are encouraged to visit recovery centers for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other local agencies.
How to apply
What: Disaster CalFresh Benefit Program
When: Now to April 25th
How: Call the Santa Cruz County Social Services Office at 888-421-8080 or visit mybenefitscalwin.org. Walk-in locations are also available at 1020 Emeline Ave. in Santa Cruz or 18 West Beach St. in Watsonville.
