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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.
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Mario Tama/Getty Images
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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.
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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.”
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.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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