CalFresh Outreach
The Network, through an agreement with California Department of Social Services, partners with seven organizations and their 100 subcontractors and 14 sub-hub partners to implement the FFY 2013 - FFY 2014 CalFresh Outreach in 51 of California’s 58 counties. Eventually outreach will take place in all counties.
The Unites States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides matching funds to agencies performing this outreach work. The California Endowment and other private organizations contribute substantially to ensure the plan's success.
The successful contractors for FFY 2013 & 2014 based on a competitive RFA process are:
Contractors work with more than 3,000 community based organizations throughout California to promote participation in CalFresh: California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Partners educate the community, prescreen individuals and families for potential eligibility and assist candidates with the CalFresh application, and follow up with those eligible to retain their benefits.
CalFresh partners developed the statewide, toll-free CalFresh Information Line (1-877-847-FOOD (3663)) and in Spanish (1-888-9-COMIDA (26-6432)). Callers are assisted in English or Spanish. In many cases, a live operator takes the call. Callers can receive information about CalFresh and how to apply in the county where they live.
Find out about applying for CalFresh online at: http://www.benefitscal.org
For additional information about the Network’s CalFresh Outreach, contact Pam Delapa at (916) 449-5382; for fiscal inquiries, contact Shelly Martin at (916) 449-5446.
CalFresh Community Outreach Initiative (CCOI)
Mission & Vision Statements
Mission: Ensure that all eligible Californians have access to CalFresh.
Vision: Increase CalFresh enrollment, participation and retention to help eliminate food insecurity and hunger in California.
Goals: Improve government coordination and strategic outreach partnerships with state agencies, counties, and community based organizations that effectively reach the working poor, seniors and eligible immigrants who have low CalFresh participation rates in California.
- Strengthen the connection between CalFresh and other nutrition/health programs for every CalFresh family.
- Develop effective resources and tools.
- Support access improvement, customer service and policy change.
- Educate the public using media and public relations strategies to reframe CalFresh as a nutrition/health program.
CalFresh Outreach Approved Materials
Documents Approved for Contractor Use & Reporting
Samples (Content subject to change. Will still need Network approval if used)
CalFresh Fact Sheet (PDF) 
CAFBSHFB English (PDF)