All About Area Food Programs
by Robann Arshat
Member Resources Liaison
There are many food resources in Orange County. For easy access information programs, resources, farmers markets, nutrition and free food map, visit www.ocfoodhelp.org.
Here is a sampling of regional food programs:
CalFresh
CalFresh, also known as the food stamp program or federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides monthly food benefits to individuals with low incomes. It is the largest food program in California. This program issues monthly benefits on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards (i.e., debit card). Food may be purchased at any grocery store or farmers market that accepts EBT card. The amount of benefits depends on household size and income. A one-person household can have a maximum gross monthly income of $2,266, and a two-person household can have a maximum gross monthly income of $3,052. Signing up for CalFresh is easy. Visit www.getcalfresh.org and click on “Apply for California Food Stamps Online.” A pink screen will appear with a prominent green “Apply now” button. People should click it and follow the simple directions to fill in requested information. People without a computer can call CalFresh’s LW representative at 714-733-8679 or 714-448-6226 or call the main toll-free number at 1-800-281-9799 CalFresh also offers a Restaurant Meal Program that allows elderly, disabled and homeless CalFresh recipients to use CalFresh benefits to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants by using their Golden State Advantage (EBT) card. To find participating restaurants, visit the website at ssa.ocgov.com/cash-calfresh/ calfresh/rmp-locations.
CAP Food Distribution
Free food is available in Leisure World to eligible residents who are 60 years and older through Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAPOC), the distribution site alongside Clubhouse 4 every third Thursday of every month from 9-11a.m. Each eligible person receives a 32-pound box of food which includes cereal, peanut butter, juice, milk, cheese, canned vegetables, fruit and soup. The guidelines are: must be a resident age 60 or older, have an income level of $1,396 per month for a one-senior household; $1,888 per month for a two-senior household and $2,379 for a three-senior household. To sign up, LWers should bring a photo ID and proof of income (Social Security/SSI statement, letter or bank statement or paycheck stub) to the food delivery truck and the attendant will sign them up. Qualified seniors will receive food the same day. Seniors who are unable to drive to the pick-up site may send a proxy to act on their behalf with appropriate ID. To see if you qualify contact the Senior CSFP Manager at 714-6670717, ext. 3610, or twilson@capoc.org.
Meals on Wheels
Meals On Wheels-Anaheim offers home-delivered meals. There are two programs to choose from.
The first offers five days of meal support, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, delivered to homebound adults 60 years and older who have difficulty shopping or preparing meals and who have no one to help with meal support. Meals are nutritious, heart-healthy, diabetic-friendly and meet 100% of recommended dietary allowance. Participants are given the opportunity to provide a voluntary contribution for meals. However, there is financial assistance for those who qualify.
The second program is called Senior Cuisine Delivered. This program offers selections from favorite participating restaurants and caterers. People receive lunch and dinner for two, four or six days a week. Meals are affordably priced at $10.95 each with no additional delivery costs. For more information call 714-220-0224 or visit www.MealsOnWheelsOC.org.
Meals on Wheels of Long Beach
Meals on Wheels of Long Beach offers a service of home delivered nutritionally balanced and diabetic-friendly ready to eat meals for individuals who are unable to shop and cook for themselves and who live alone. Meals are delivered Monday-Friday except major holidays. Service can be long-term or a temporary basis if you are recovering from surgery or illness. The fee is $9.75 per day for a hot dinner, cold lunch, dessert and beverage. There is financial assistance for people who qualify. For more information call 562-439-5000, ext. 1, or visit www.mowlb.org. ( The Golden Age Foundation subsidizes MOWLB to help more LWers qualify for the program.)
Seal Beach Lunch Program
The Seal Beach Lunch Program is provided by Meals on Wheels OC at the North Seal Beach Center, 3333 St. Cloud Drive, Seal Beach. Meals on Wheels Orange County partnered with the City of Seal Beach to host a senior lunch program from 11 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday.
The program is open to anyone 60 or older. Suggested contribution is $5.25, but everyone is welcome.
Guests under 60 pay $5. Menus run in the Health and Fitness section every week. For more information, call 562-431-2527, ext. 1344, or visit www. sealbeachca.gov/city-services/senior-services.
Local Grocery Stores
Some local grocery stores offer delivery services, and they will take your EBT (CalFresh) debit card. People can order online and pay online. Some of these grocery stores also offer ready made meals that you can heat and eat or hot prepared meals. Place orders online and have them delivered to your door.
Sprouts, Ralphs and Gelson’s use Instacart for their delivery service for a fee.
Pavilions has a concierge delivery free of charge. Target will deliver groceries for $9.99 per delivery. Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline for immediate food assistance at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273). Information is available in English and Spanish.
Visit the brochure display in downstairs in Building 5 for more information. To book an appointment to learn more about the information here, call 562-431-6586, ext. 317.
