Tulare County recognizes May 2025 as CalFresh Awareness Month to combat hunger

Tulare County is officially recognizing May 2025 as CalFresh Awareness Month, a significant initiative aimed at combating hunger and increasing food security in the region. During the Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 13, Roxanna Cruz, a division manager from Works, highlighted the critical role of CalFresh, California's version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Cruz noted that approximately 180,000 residents in Tulare County, nearly two in every five residents, rely on CalFresh benefits each month to meet their basic nutritional needs. Despite these figures, many eligible individuals, including students, seniors, and working families, remain unenrolled due to stigma, misinformation, and lack of awareness about their eligibility.

The proclamation aims to raise awareness about the program and its associated initiatives, such as the CalFresh Restaurant Meal Program, which allows eligible individuals to purchase hot meals at participating restaurants. Currently, around 41,000 residents are enrolled in this program, which addresses the diverse needs of the community by ensuring food accessibility and dignity.

Additionally, the Sunbucks California Summer EBT program provides essential food assistance during the summer months, ensuring that children continue to receive nutritious food when school meals are unavailable. Cruz emphasized that every dollar spent through CalFresh stimulates local economies, supporting grocery stores, farmers, and food suppliers, thereby fostering economic stability and job opportunities.

The meeting underscored the importance of community involvement in spreading awareness about CalFresh and breaking down barriers to enrollment. Cruz called on all community members, from social services to healthcare and education, to play a role in informing their neighbors about available assistance.

As Tulare County moves forward with this initiative, the focus remains on creating a hunger-free community and ensuring that every eligible resident knows that help is available. The commitment of local staff and policy teams in administering the CalFresh program was also acknowledged, highlighting their vital role in supporting families in need.