To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Proclaim May 2025 as CalFresh Awareness Month.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution declaring May 2025 as CalFresh Awareness Month in Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Employment and Human Services Director.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
CalFresh provides food benefits to eligible recipients to help buy nutritious foods for a better diet. CalFresh is known federally as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
CalFresh Awareness Month educates the public about the availability of food benefits and the CalFresh application process. It is a statewide effort led by the California Department of Social Services and intended to dispel myths about eligibility requirements.
CalFresh Awareness Month provides an opportunity to promote CalFresh Food benefits to alleviate food insecurity among Contra Costa County residents.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None.
CHILDREN’S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution supports all five of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes of the Children’s Report Card: (1) “Children Ready for and Succeeding in School”; (2) “Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood”; (3) “Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient”; (4) “Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing”; and (5) “Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families.”
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
body
IN THE MATTER OF proclaiming May 2025 as CalFresh Awareness Month in Contra Costa County:
WHEREAS, access to safe, nutritious and culturally acceptable food is a basic human right and is essential to human health; and
WHEREAS, CalFresh food benefits stretch household budgets, enabling recipients to afford nutritious food, including more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options; and
WHEREAS, CalFresh Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate community members about food benefits and the CalFresh application process, and to dispel myths about eligibility requirements; and
WHEREAS, income-eligible adults can participate in the CalFresh program, and may apply on behalf of their children, including non-citizen parents who may apply on behalf of their U.S.-born children; and
WHEREAS, 105,471 Contra Costa County residents received CalFresh in 2024; and
WHEREAS, in Contra Costa County, CalFresh benefits contributed $244 million to our economy in 2024; and
WHEREAS, CalFresh food benefits can be used at most grocery stores, farmers markets, convenience stores, and even select online retailers; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County is one of 35 counties in the state to offer the CalFresh Employment and Training Program, providing training and assistance towards job readiness, job security, work norms, and access to higher education for CalFresh participants; and
WHEREAS, CalFresh participation enhances the health and well-being of eligible families and individuals by providing a means to meet their nutritional needs; and
WHEREAS, EHSD’s community partners help promote CalFresh so those who are eligible may utilize this food benefit program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim May 2025 as CalFresh Awareness Month in Contra Costa County, and honors all of the individuals, organizations and agencies working to ensure that all County residents have access to safe, nutritious food.