Los Angeles Regional Foodbank

The participation rate by Californians and residents of Los Angeles County in the federal Food Stamp Program (now called the CalFresh Program in California) is among the lowest in the nation. County caseworkers are overwhelmed and potential applicants are often uniformed and intimidated, resulting in high benefit denial rates. With Keck Foundation funding, the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank is continuing its Food Stamp Outreach Program to improve the health of low-income, food-insecure individuals and families in Los Angeles County by increasing their access to nutritious food. Activities will include determining eligibility, completing food stamp applications, following up with County staff on clients’ behalf to ensure approval, and working with the County Department of Public Social Services and the state to reduce barriers for qualified applicants to access benefits. During the two-year project, 985 households will receive food stamps benefitting almost 2,200 children and adults and generating over $7 million in economic activity for the region.