County posts volunteer options that count toward new CalFresh work rules

The County of San Diego posted volunteer resources to help CalFresh recipients meet new federal work requirements, the county said.

Since June 1, 2026, more than 46,000 CalFresh customers have learned they now have new work requirements, the county said.

Federal rules require anyone ages 18 through 64 who does not have a child under age 14 in the home and who is not exempt to complete 80 hours each month of approved activities; approved activities include working, training, education or volunteering.

Volunteer hours can count toward the 80-hour requirement; the county said people may download a verification form in English or Spanish and send it to the county, or submit a signed and dated letter from the organization confirming hours.

The county partners with 211 San Diego through the WorkReady Hub and offered community organizations that frequently qualify: HandsOn San Diego, Feeding San Diego, San Diego Food Bank and the YMCA.

The county also listed its own volunteer options: AmeriCorps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (email RSVP.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov), Parks and Recreation (submit an online form), County Library (visit a local branch), Animal Services (complete an online application) and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (application online).

Volunteer hours may be combined with other approved activities, such as training or paid work, to meet the full 80-hour monthly requirement.

Anyone with questions about whether a volunteer activity qualifies can call the county’s Access Customer Service Call Center at 866-262-9881.

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