Los Angeles County officials began a monthlong outreach campaign on Friday to raise awareness about upcoming eligibility changes and new work requirements for the CalFresh food benefit program.
The effort by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services coincides with CalFresh Awareness Month and is aimed at helping residents understand how provisions in what President Donald Trump has dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” could impact enrollment, reporting and renewal requirements, officials said.
CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides food assistance to low-income individuals and households. County officials said about 1.5 million residents are enrolled, though an estimated 320,000 more may be eligible but are not receiving benefits.
The campaign will focus on providing information to help residents apply for CalFresh and maintain their benefits, including reminders to respond promptly to department requests and complete renewal requirements on time.
Officials said the outreach will also include information about changes affecting certain non-citizens, including refugees, asylees and others with protected status.
“L.A. County residents are encouraged to support this year’s outreach efforts by following DPSS on social media and sharing information with individuals and families in their communities who may benefit from CalFresh,” the department said in a statement.
Beginning June 1, new work requirements will apply to some CalFresh recipients ages 18 to 64 who do not have dependent children under 14 in their household. Those individuals will be required to complete at least 20 hours per week, or 80 hours per month, of approved work or training activities to continue receiving benefits beyond three months within a three-year period, officials said.
More information on exemptions to the work requirements and approved training is available at dpss.lacounty.gov/en/keep-benefits.html.