Do you or someone you know need help putting food on the table? Qualifying for food assistance might be easier than you think. A family of four earning $40,000 or less can qualify for CalFresh, and if you just need food to tide your family over until your next paycheck, Second Harvest Food Bank may be able to help.
CalFresh, a USDA nutrition program for low income seniors, families and individuals, has supplemented thousands of people across the state with healthy food. The program takes a streamlined approach to getting healthy groceries in the hands of those in need. It requires some paperwork and verifications to get on board, but once approved, benefits are electronically applied to a plastic card for ease-of-use and privacy. Grocery stores and farmers' markets accept it just as they would a debit card. Simple, new and fresh! Visit the CalFresh website at http://www.calfresh.ca.gov/ for complete program information or request an application by calling (800) 223-8383
Second Harvest Food Bank can also step in to fill the food gap and offer an array of free food assistance for those in need. Call Second Harvest's Food Connection hotline at (800) 984-3663 to learn about programs like Brown Bag, Produce Mobile and Family Harvest. Each service has an emphasis on fresh produce to community members who typically cannot pay for it.
The Brown Bag Program provides weekly nutritious groceries for Seniors 60 and older, or age 55 and beyond if they are disabled. The program alleviates the possibility the senior will skip a meal. To learn more call (650) 610-0800 ext. 416.
The Produce Mobile brings high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables donated by local growers. Clients receive up to 35 lbs. of food. Visit http://www.shfb.org/producemobile or call (650) 610-0800 ext. 402.
Family Harvest serves families with minor children and grandparents raising grand-children. Each family in the Program receives approximately 100 pounds of food, equating to 3-4 bags of groceries per month. Visit http://www.shfb.org/familyharvest or call (650) 610-0800 ext. 416.