LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — May is “CalFresh Awareness Month,” a time of public outreach to increase awareness and enrollment in the CalFresh program.

CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, provides monthly food benefits to individuals and families with low-income and provides economic benefits to communities.

EBT is the automated system that allows CalFresh recipients to use a card, much like a debit card, to access their food benefits for purchases at grocers.

In Lake County, 16,507 individuals are currently receiving CalFresh benefits totaling $4.7 million per month, $50.1 million in benefits over the course of the last year.

Every $1 in CalFresh generates $1.79 in local economic activity.

Many individuals and families who need food are unaware that they may qualify for assistance. For instance, a family of four earning up to $3,007 gross per month may qualify for up to $939 in CalFresh benefits each month.

Spending benefits locally helps our local economy! Through the Market Match program, you can double your CalFresh spending power at our local farmers markets, that’s like shopping for 50% off at farmers markets. See the farmers market host for additional details, or visit www.marketmatch.org.

The application process is confidential. Your county has 30 days to decide if you are eligible. Households with very low income and resources may get benefits within 3 days.

Get help putting healthy, nutritious food on the table. Go to www.benefitscal.com to apply now, or call 707-995-4200 (TTY 711) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for information on other ways to apply.