 The name for California's Food Stamp Program has changed as a result of recent State law. The new name for the program is "CalFresh". The name change will not change your benefits. The amount of CalFresh (formerly known as food stamp) benefits you receive will not be different because of the name change. CalFresh was established to improve the nutrition of people in low-income households. It does that by increasing their food-buying power, so they are able to purchase the amount of food their household needs. CalFresh benefits are used instead of money at the grocery store. CalFresh benefits are issued via a Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. To apply for CalFresh benefits
on-line click here
May 2013 is CalFresh Awareness Month. The month-long campaign is designed to increase awareness, access, and participation in the CalFresh Program and promote good nutrition. To learn more about CalFresh or upcoming CalFresh community events, visit the CalFresh Awareness Month website.
Put Healthy Food on Your Table with CalFresh.
Heat and Eat Program for CalFresh families
Effective January 1, 2013, families and individuals receiving CalFresh benefits will be enrolled in the new California Heat and Eat Program. This program allows you the full Standard Utility Allowance (SUA), which is the maximum utility deduction, when calculating your CalFresh benefits. This may result in an increase in CalFresh benefits for some families and individuals.
CalFresh Trafficking
What is CalFresh Trafficking?CalFresh Trafficking is when CalFresh benefits are bought, sold, or traded for cash. It is also considered Trafficking when benefits are traded for items other than eligible food, such as firearms, ammunition, explosives, or controlled substances. (This is FRAUD, it is a CRIME and it is AGAINST THE LAW!) CalFresh Penalties for Trafficking: If you do not follow CalFresh rules, your benefits can be stopped for 12 months for the first violation, 24 months for the second, and forever for the third. You may be fined up to $250,000 and/or sent to jail/prison for 20 years. If you are found guilty in any court of law or administrative hearing because:
Report Fraud to Los Angeles County Welfare Fraud Prevention and Investigation: Central Fraud Reporting Line: (800) 349-9970 We Tip Hotline: (800) 782-7463 You may also report CalFresh Trafficking to the USDA Office of Inspector General: Call: (800) 424-9121 or E-Mail: usda_hotline@oig.usda.gov
Plastic Bag Ban
 Effective July 1, 2011, grocery stores, drug stores and convenience stores within unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County only, will now charge customers 10 cents for each grocery paper bag given or provide reusable bags at store cost when shopping at these stores. This is as a result of changes in County Ordinance, Title 12, Environmental Protection, County Code Section 1, Section 12.85,
 which bans the use of plastic carry-out bags in Los Angeles County.CalFresh participants will not be charged for grocery paper bags when buying groceries at these stores. However, participants who only receive CalWORKs or General Relief benefits will be charged 10 cents for each grocery paper bag given. If you are a CalFresh participant, and are charged for grocery paper bags when buying groceries at these stores, let the store manager know before you leave the store. To find out more about the Plastic Bag Ban visit:
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Find the LA County services and facilities that serve your area...
Find out more about the services and activities associated with CalFresh Awareness Month.
5/13/2013 at 7:24 AM
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To apply for CalFresh benefits You can also mail in a
For a listing of Farmers' Markets that accept EBT cards Click here |
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