California’s food assistance program for undocumented immigrants.
As of January 2020, California is one of only a handful of states that offer food assistance to undocumented immigrants through its CalFresh program. This program, which is funded by the state and federal government, provides low-income households with food assistance via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
While CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase food at any store that accepts EBT cards, undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federal food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This means that they often have to pay more for food, as they are not able to access the same discounts and coupons that SNAP recipients can.
Despite these challenges, the CalFresh program has been shown to improve the health and wellbeing of its participants. A study published in the journal Health Affairs found that CalFresh recipients were less likely to experience food insecurity and had better overall health outcomes than those who did not participate in the program.
If you are an undocumented immigrant in California and are interested in applying for CalFresh benefits, you can do so online or in person at your local county office.
How to access California’s food assistance program for undocumented immigrants.
If you are an undocumented immigrant in California, you may be eligible for food assistance through the state’s CalWORKs program. To apply, you will need to provide proof of residency, income, and assets. You will also need to meet certain work requirements. If you are approved, you will receive a food assistance card that can be used to purchase food at participating stores.
Eligibility requirements for California’s food assistance program for undocumented immigrants.
To be eligible for California’s food assistance program for undocumented immigrants, you must meet the following criteria:
1. You must be 18 years of age or older.
2. You must have been residing in the state of California for at least 3 months.
3. You must not have any other means of financial assistance, such as food stamps or welfare.
4. You must be able to prove that you are unable to work due to your undocumented status.
5. You must be a resident of California at the time of application.
What California’s food assistance program for undocumented immigrants covers.
The California food assistance program for undocumented immigrants covers a wide range of food items that are necessary for a nutritious diet. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy products, and non-perishable food items. The program also covers infant formula and baby food, as well as food for special dietary needs.
How to apply for California’s food assistance program for undocumented immigrants.
California’s food assistance program for undocumented immigrants, known as CalFresh, provides eligible individuals and families with food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). CalFresh is administered by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and is available to undocumented immigrants who meet certain income and asset guidelines.
To apply for CalFresh, undocumented immigrants must complete an application and submit it to CDSS. The application can be found online at the CDSS website.
CalFresh benefits are issued through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase food at participating retailers. CalFresh benefits can also be used to purchase food from some farmers’ markets.
For more information about CalFresh, undocumented immigrants can contact CDSS or their local county office.