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Introduction to�CalFresh Outreach

Rev 07/2019

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Welcome to the CalFresh Outreach network!

This is the first of a series of 3 trainings.

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CalFresh Trainings

  1. Introduction to CalFresh Outreach (this webinar)
  2. CDSS CalFresh 101 (recording / slides)
  3. CalFresh eligibility: Basics (slides)

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About the California Association of Food Banks

  • Conducting the trainings in partnership with the CA Department of Social Services (CDSS)

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  • CAFB has a CalFresh Outreach contract, 56+ partners

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Webinar Overview

  1. Application process

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  • Training resources

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  • Outreach strategies

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  1. Program structure

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  • Funding & contract

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  • Stakeholders

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What is CalFresh?

  • Money for groceries

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  • Delivered on a debit card

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  • Can be used at grocery stores, some farmers markets & select restaurants

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  • Benefits roll over month to month

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Why is CalFresh important?

  • Strongest defense against hunger

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  • Provides a link to other savings including discounts on utilities

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  • Benefits local economies

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  • $1 in CF benefits generates $1.79 in local economic activity

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Why is CalFresh Outreach needed?

  • Increase participation rate

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  • 100% participation would mean an additional $1.8 billion in federal funds & generate about $3.3 billion in economic activity

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  • Help navigate application barriers

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CalFresh program structure

Federal program

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State oversight

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County administered

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U.S. Dept of Agriculture (USDA)

Food Nutrition Services (FNS)

CalFresh rules: 7 CFR § 270

CA Dept of Social Services (CDSS)

CalFresh rules: MPP § 16, 19-22, 63

All County Letters (ACLs)

All County Information Notices (ACINs)

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Social Services Agency: County Welfare Department (CWD)

Exact department name varies by county

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County Structure

Board of Supervisors

County Executive

County Manager, County Administrator, Administrative Director, Executive Officer, etc.

County Welfare Department

Social Services Agency

Social Services Agency Director

CalFresh Specialist

Other county staff

  • Eligibility / Case managers
  • Eligibility workers, etc.

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Outreach Funding & Contract

USDA

CDSS

Community based organizations

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Prime Contractors

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Stakeholders

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County Stakeholders

County office

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Community based organizations

Legal Aid

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State Stakeholders

CA Department of Social Services

CA Department of Developmental Services

CA Department of Aging

CA Department of Rehabilitation

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CA Association of Food Banks

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State Stakeholders (cont.)

Alliance to Transform CalFresh

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California Food Policy Advocates

Code for America

Western Center on Law & Poverty

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State Consortia

  • CalWIN
  • C-IV (CalACES North)
  • LRS (CalACES South)

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Federal Stakeholders

US Department of Agriculture

Food & Nutrition Service

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Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Food Research & Action Center

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CalFresh Application Process

  1. Outreach
  2. Application
  3. Interview
  4. Notice of Denial/Approval
  5. EBT card
  6. Shop
  7. Report & Renew benefits

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Components of Successful Outreach Programs

  • Information & education

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  • Prescreening

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  • Application assistance

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  • Application follow-up & troubleshooting

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  • Reporting assistance

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  • Internal program assessment

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  • Contract reporting & invoicing

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Outreach Strategies

Target Population

  • Seniors
  • Students
  • Immigrants
  • Previous foster care adults�

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Location

  • WIC
  • Food distributions
  • Community events
  • Senior centers

Indirect

  • Partners send referrals & applications

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Training Resources

This is the first of 3 trainings.

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Additional Trainings

  • CDSS CalFresh 101

(recording / slides)

  • CalFresh eligibility: Basics (slides)

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Other Training Resources

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  • Local county office

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  • CalFresh Guide (website)

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  • CDSS’ CF webinar series (website)

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  • CDSS’ SSI webinar series (website)

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Next Steps

  • Code for America’s SNAP stories (website)

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  • What can you buy with CalFresh (website)

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More Next Steps

  • Demo the application (website)

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  • Sign up for a GetCalFresh.org account (website)

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  • Consortia by county (website)

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  • Contact your local county office

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  • Glossary of Terms (website)

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Advice from the field…

“It takes time to learn how to pre-screen & work with county workers. Be patient in learning. Filling out the application is easy, but how to talk with clients & help them through the process takes diligence & experience. Listen & learn about their situation to know how best to help- each household is unique.”

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Amy Dierlam, River City Food Bank

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Thank you