Riverside County said CalFresh households whose food was lost or destroyed because of Post-Tropical Cyclone Rachel have until Oct. 30 to report losses and request replacement benefits.
The county said Storm Rachel made landfall along the Southern California coast on Oct. 10 and brought heavy rain, high winds, flooding, mudslides, landslides, downed trees, road closures, and power outages that lasted several days.
Riverside County said it received state approval to extend the standard 10-day reporting period to 20 days for eligible households in disaster-impacted areas countywide; the extension gives residents additional time to report food loss.
Fourth District Supervisor said, "We saw firsthand how this storm impacted communities in the eastern Coachella Valley, and we want residents to know that help is available. If you lost food during this storm and receive CalFresh benefits, please contact the Department of Public Social Services to request replacement benefits before the deadline."
State officials estimate 18,471 households in impacted areas receive CalFresh benefits, the county said. Allison Gonzalez, assistant director of the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, said, "If you lost food because of the storm and receive CalFresh, please report your loss and request replacement benefits as soon as possible."
CalFresh recipients can report food loss online at BenefitsCal.com, by calling 1-877-410-8827, or by visiting their nearest Self-Sufficiency office; reports may also be submitted by fax or mail, and residents can attend community outreach events for assistance with replacement benefits.
Residents who need food assistance but do not currently receive CalFresh can apply at BenefitsCal.com, call 1-877-410-8827, visit a Self-Sufficiency office, or attend an outreach event.
The county said CalFresh provides monthly food benefits through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card; the card can be used to purchase groceries at participating stores, farmers markets, and online retailers, including Amazon and Walmart.
Local
V. Manuel Perez
Supervisor, Fourth District, Riverside County Board of Supervisors
Named once in this story.
Portrait: Jayel Aheram / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
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