COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Thousands across the Coachella Valley could soon be at risk of losing CalFresh benefits as new federal work requirements take effect Monday — prompting local food banks to prepare for a possible spike in demand.
Under the new rules, certain adults between the ages of 18 and 64 considered able-bodied without dependents will now be required to work, volunteer, or participate in approved job training programs for at least 20 hours a week to continue receiving SNAP benefits, known in California as CalFresh.
People who do not meet the new requirements could be limited to just three months of food assistance over a three-year period.
FIND Food Bank, which helps feed thousands of people across the valley each month, says it is already seeing high demand for food assistance and expects that need to grow once the new requirements take effect.
“Especially since this is a seasonal region,” said Lorena Marroquin, Vice President of Community Impact at FIND Food Bank. “A lot of our neighbors lose employment during the summer months so we are anticipating that it is going to be an increased need in food assistance across our region.”
According to the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, more than 321,000 people currently receive CalFresh benefits countywide. Officials say nearly 84,000 adults could be impacted by the new rules.
Food bank officials say they are already working with local distribution partners to prepare for an increase in demand.
“We are working closely with our distribution network to understand where the impact in our region is going to be at and provide more food assistance within those identified locations,” Marroquin said.
The concern comes as many food banks are already struggling to keep up with high demand across the region, with officials saying food insecurity continues to impact thousands of local families.
Food bank officials say they are already working with local distribution partners to prepare for an increase in demand.
“We are working closely with our distribution network to understand where the impact in our region is going to be at and provide more food assistance within those identified locations,” Marroquin said.
The concern comes as many food banks are already struggling to keep up with high demand across the region, with officials saying food insecurity continues to impact thousands of local families.
FIND Food Bank also provides outreach and education services to help residents better understand their CalFresh benefits and eligibility.
