This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
CalFresh Emergency Allotments Will Expire At The End Of March
Boxes of food are distributed by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank on August 6, 2020 in Paramount, California.
(
Mario Tama/Getty Images
)
CalFresh food assistance was increased during the pandemic, but those additional allotments will stop at the end of March.
For CalFresh beneficiaries, that means losing an average of $107 per month for food.
An Tran, who directs Orange County's Social Services agency, said he hopes his team can mitigate some of the damage that loss may cause.
"What we're hoping to do is to bridge the gap with food pantries and food banks,” he said.
Claudia Keller, the CEO of Orange County food bank Second Harvest, said demand has already increased due to inflation.
"You can't pay 80% of your rent or 70% percent of your heating bill,” she said, meaning that “the one budget that gets scrimped on and fudged around is the food budget.”
Sponsored message
Keller expects to see an even larger increase in demand over the next three months as pandemic allotments expire, and food prices are likely to rise.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
