RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA.— The CalFresh Program, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), issues monthly electronic benefits for needy households. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Riverside County’s CalFresh recipients can expect another emergency allotment on August 16 to help soften economic hardships, officials have announced.
The latest emergency CalFresh benefits allotment is the fifth one announced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and another supplemental benefit will be issued on September 19, according to officials.
The supplemental CalFresh benefits will bring eligible households not already receiving the maximum amount up to the maximum monthly allotment for their household size. For example, a household of two that would typically receive $53 in CalFresh benefits could be temporarily eligible to receive the maximum of $355, according to officials.
Since April, California has issued more than $55 million in emergency CalFresh allotments to more than 75,000 households in Riverside County.
“With the pandemic continuing to impact our communities in various ways, these extra dollars are vital to help struggling families and seniors keep healthy food on the table,” said Allison Gonzalez, program director over self-sufficiency at Riverside County’s Department of Public Social Services. “Customers received on average an extra $182 last month so it’s worth it to apply and see if they’re eligible.”
Benefits received can be used at many markets and food stores, as well as online at Amazon and Walmart. For more information about the program, visit GetCalFresh.org or call the county’s DPSS Customer Service Center at 1-877-410-8827.