Public health presents CalFresh outreach, rising caseloads and nutrition education programs

Calaveras County public-health and eligibility staff on May 13 presented CalFresh outreach and education work to mark CalFresh Awareness Month, telling the board that the county’s CalFresh caseload has increased and describing local nutrition-education efforts.

Public-health staff said the county now serves more than 4,000 CalFresh cases (households). Presenters outlined barriers residents face — limited affordable grocery access in some communities, higher local cost of living, and transportation challenges — and noted that the program is a supplement that can range widely in monthly benefit depending on household composition and income. Staff described CalFresh Healthy Living programming that offers nutrition lessons, school and community gardens, cooking demonstrations, and senior movement classes.

The presenters said Calaveras was invited to present its outreach practices to a statewide CalFresh operations roundtable because local staff formed partnerships (food banks, tribal partners and outstation sites) that improved access in rural pockets. Upcoming county work includes a food-waste reduction competition at West Point Elementary, caregiver nutrition classes and expanded senior movement programming.

Provenance (transcript excerpts): • Topic intro: “Item number 27 is an informational item from public health. Received a CalFresh presentation from CalFresh eligibility and education staff for CalFresh awareness month.” (transcript near 9166–9177). • Topic finish: “CalFresh nourishes our community, mind, body, and soul…How can you help? Support and uplift community members who use CalFresh.” (transcript near 10051–10069).