On February 2, 2023, Contra Costa County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration allowing Contra Costa County to offer Disaster CalFresh to community members with economic and food hardships stemming from the recent flooding.
Disaster CalFresh is a program that provides immediate food assistance to Contra Costa County victims of natural disasters, such as fires, floods, and earthquakes, who are not currently receiving CalFresh benefits. Any individuals and families who lived or worked in Contra Costa County between December 27, 2022 – January 25, 2023, may be eligible for Disaster CalFresh food benefits if the household experienced at least one of the following as a direct result of the severe winter storms:
At least one person in the household was not receiving regular CalFresh food benefits and;
- Money was spent because of the storms or related power outage,
- Money was lost from work because of the severe winter storms,
- or Money was spent because of damage to a home or business.
A family of four with a monthly income up to $3,130 per month may be eligible to receive up to $939 in food benefits through this program.
The five-day application period for consumers for these benefits is February 9-10, and February 13-15, 2023.
The Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) is working closely with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to implement this program.
To apply for Disaster CalFresh, community members must call (877) 505-4630.
To apply for regular (non-disaster) CalFresh, community members can visit the ehsd.org our Apply for Services page.