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CalFresh enrollment in Seaside dips in 2024; city plans renewed outreach
Summary
City data presented Feb. 6 show fluctuating CalFresh enrollments in 2024 with declines among adults and families and steady increases among seniors. Staff and council discussed outreach steps, video promotion and links with the farmers market to boost participation.
Seaside staff reported to the City Council on Feb. 6 that CalFresh enrollment among city residents showed month-to-month fluctuations during 2024 and an overall drop in some adult and family categories, while senior enrollment remained steady.
Assistant City Manager Dan Milas presented county-supplied monthly enrollment data covering May–December 2023 and January–December 2024. Milas said the city saw the heaviest enrollments in November in both years and a pickup in December 2024 after several months of decline. He noted that seniors were the subgroup with the most consistent enrollment gains throughout 2024, while adult enrollments declined overall and children’s enrollments also showed decreases in several months.
Why it matters: CalFresh (the state name for SNAP benefits) and local distribution programs are a key part of food security work in Seaside. The city partners with community organizations and the farmers market to distribute produce boxes and SNAP outreach.
Key data and outreach steps: Milas said the city’s promotional video on CalFresh (produced about nine months earlier) is on the city YouTube page but should be re-promoted on the website and social channels. He told the council that the free produce box distribution at the Seaside Farmers Market will continue through May under current funding, and staff will pursue renewed promotion to increase enrollment. When asked, Milas said he does not have case-level recertification data; the city’s report is an aggregate monthly feed from the county.
Council members asked staff to widen promotions on social media, coordinate with the family and community support team, and examine whether recertification windows, weather, holidays or other operational issues are driving dips. A council member said prior staff reporting estimated roughly 4,000 families in Seaside may be eligible for benefits; Milas said that was consistent with earlier estimates but noted membership fluctuates over time.
Staff committed to reinstating the video to the website front page and to working with the Seaside Farmers Market and county partners on outreach. Council members suggested focused promotions before historically high-enrollment months (November–December) and exploring monthly reminders about recertification timelines to reduce lapses.
Ending: City staff said February 2025 enrollment figures were beginning to pick up and recommended continuing active outreach, social promotion and partner coordination to increase sustained participation.
