COVID-19 Update: Emergency Food and Food Benefits

Emergency Food and Food Benefits

The coronavirus outbreak has made it harder to get and afford groceries and prepared meals. If you or someone you know needs help getting food, here are some available resources.

CalFresh food benefits

CalFresh (sometimes called SNAP or food stamps) issues monthly food benefits on an EBT card that can be used to buy most foods at most grocery stores and farmers markets. People and families with low income can apply for CalFresh any time. If you have a change in income, even a temporary one because of the coronavirus, you can apply for CalFresh food benefits.

To apply, visit CalFresh online or call 1-877-847-3663 (1-877-847-FOOD).

Beginning April 28th, people getting CalFresh food benefits can use their EBT card to buy groceries online at Amazon and Walmart statewide. See frequently asked questions about using EBT online.

Food banks

Local food banks and pantries are open and operating across California. Find a local food bank near you. In April and May, extra food boxes will be available for people and families because of the coronavirus.

Families with school-aged children

School meals and the ‘CA Meals for Kids’ app

The governor’s executive order ensures public schools will retain full funding. Check your local school district for more information on how and where to receive free or reduced-cost school meals.

The CA Meals for Kids app can help students and families find meals during COVID-19 emergency school closures. 

The app is free and can be downloaded from Apple’s App StoreGoogle’s Play Store, and Microsoft’s App Store.

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)

Families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals will get extra food benefits to help buy food when schools are closed due to COVID-19. These food benefits are called Pandemic EBT or P-EBT benefits. 

Families can get up to $365 for each child who is eligible for P-EBT benefits. The total amount depends on how many eligible children are living in your home. Students can still pick up to-go meals even if they are receiving P-EBT benefits.

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits are now available for eligible families.

  • Families with children who get CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care benefits do not need to apply. Most families will get their P-EBT card in the mail during the month of May.
  • Families with children who applied for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care benefits after their school closed will get their P-EBT card in the mail before June 30, 2020. 
  • Families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals and who do not get CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care benefits must apply online before June 30, 2020. The online application will launch in late May.

See frequently asked questions about P-EBT and visit the P-EBT program on the CA Department of Social Services’ website for the latest information.

Older adults

Great Plates Delivered: Home meals for seniors

Seniors and other adults at high risk from coronavirus will soon be able to get daily meals delivered to their homes from local restaurants through this program. Check Great Plates Delivered (formerly known as Restaurants Deliver) for information and updates.

Home-delivered meals for older adults

Older adults (aged 60+) who live at home and find cooking difficult may be able to receive prepared meals delivered to their home, regardless of income level. And seniors who used to visit community meal sites can have those meals home-delivered instead. 

Find a meal provider in your area or call 1-800-510-2020.

To find more information about services available for older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers, see the California Department of Aging or call the California Aging and Adult Info Line at 1-800-510-2020.

To connect with more services and support in your local area, visit Find Services in My County

Food bank food for older adults

Older adults (aged 60+) can get a box of nutritious food to help supplement their diets through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. CSFP boxes are available at these food bank locations

Statewide COVID-19 information hotline

This COVID-19 hotline connects seniors to vital state and local services and resources, as well as answers general questions about COVID-19. It’s a part of an ongoing effort to provide reliable, trusted information and support to any Californian who needs it.

California COVID-19 Hotline: 833-422-4255 (833-4CA-4ALL)

The call center is open 7 days a week:

  • Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Pacific Daylight Time 
  • Saturday and Sunday,  8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Pacific Daylight Time

211

211 is a free and confidential information and referral service that connects people to local resources. It is available in more than 100 languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

If you need assistance finding food or other essential services, dial 211 to speak to someone who can help, or visit 211.org

Connect2Affect

A program of the AARP Foundation, Connect2Affect helps seniors find support services in their area, such as food and medical care. The site also has tools for evaluating isolation risk, reconnecting to community, and reaching out to those who may be feeling lonely.

Eldercare Locator

Older adults and their families can connect to services and resources in their local community by visiting the Eldercare Locator website or by calling 1-800-677-1116.

GoGoGrandparent

GoGoGrandparent lets older adults use on-demand grocery delivery companies like Instacart, restaurant delivery companies like DoorDash, and transportation companies like Lyft without a smartphone while keeping family and loved ones notified. GoGoGrandparent operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To register, visit the GoGoGrandparent website or call 1-855-464-6872. Once registered, you can place an order for grocery delivery, or order meals from local restaurants to be delivered to your home. If you must leave your home and need transportation, you can also use GoGoGrandparent to get a ride.

How you can help

Many programs are redirecting food that would otherwise go to waste to help feed children and families during the COVID-19 crisis. Some accept cash and surplus food donations.

  • The California Association of Food Banks’ (CAFB) Farm to Family Program works with farmers, ranchers, packers, and shippers to get California farm products from the field to 40+ food banks throughout the state. You can donate money or surplus crops through the CAFB website.
     
  • Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States and is accepting cash donations to their COVID-19 Response Fund

For more resources and information to help you and your family combat COVID-19, please visit my website. As more information becomes available, we will share it with you. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions or concerns.
 

Sincerely,

Steven C. Bradford
CA State Senator, SD 35

 

Capitol Office:                       District Office:                                   Satellite Office:

State Capitol                         One West Manchester Blvd.          302 West 5th St.

Room 2059                           Suite 600                                           Suite 203

Sacramento, CA 95814      Inglewood, CA 90301                      San Pedro, CA 90731

Tel: (916) 651-4035             Tel: (310) 412-6120                         Tel: (310) 514-8573