The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is preparing for changes to CalFresh eligibility requirements, which may impact thousands of residents. Leaders estimate around 17,000 county residents could be affected by the new federal SNAP requirements.
Impact on Local Residents
More than 55,000 local residents received CalFresh benefits last year. The changes include stricter work-reporting requirements for some adults caring for children between 14 and 17 years old. Foodbank leaders expect more people may seek help if they lose benefits or experience gaps in assistance.
The concern comes as food prices remain elevated, and many households continue to feel pressure from the region’s high cost of living. To prepare, the Foodbank is increasing food purchases and expanding outreach efforts to connect residents with available resources.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
