1. More Food through Food Connection May 13, 2016 1

2. 1.What is “food security”? 2. Food Connection Partnership –Programs Available –How to Partner –How to Refer Clients 3. And what about CalFresh? –Top three myths about CalFresh that keep households away, and what to say when you hear them Goals 2

3. What is Food Security? 3

4. 86% of U.S. households were food secure and had consistent, dependable access to enough food for active, healthy living in 2014.* 14% (17.4 million households) were food insecure; had difficulty providing enough healthy, nutritious food for all members due to a lack of resources in 2014.* California Food In-Security Estimate: 13.5%* Santa Clara County: 6.1% (116,000 households)** San Mateo County: 4.5% (34,000 households)** * USDA, 2014: http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us.aspxhttp://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us.aspx ** California Food Policy Advocates: County Nutrition and Food Insecurity Profiles, 2015 update, 2012 data. Food Security Stats 4

5. $2,750 (net after taxes, F/T @ $20/hour. Gross = $41,600/yr)* ¹ - 2,000 (1 BR apartment - on subsidized waiting list) $ 750 - 325 (afterschool care - subsidized rate) $ 425 - 200 (car insurance, gas, repairs - needs car for work) $ 225 - 50 (phone) $ 175 = $41 per week for food, clothing, medicine, utilities (not exactly food secure) *$1,000/return for Earned income Tax credit (~Feb) = +$83/mo ¹Child’s father does not pay any child support Cost of Living Single parent, “Rita,” plus 1 child 5

6. Income Guidelines NOTE: 30% of program clients can have higher income than this 6 *July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 People in HouseholdGross Monthly Income (200% of FPL)* 1$ 1,980 2$ 2,670 3$ 3,360 4$ 4,050 5$ 4,740 6$ 5,430 Each additional member+$694

7. Questions?

8. What does Rita need to be Food Secure? Consistent Regular schedule Predictable food types Dependable Can count on it – knows what to expect Schedule always honored at distribution site Never runs out –cupboards stay stocked Healthy Variety Fresh produce Whole grains Lean protein Dairy/Calcium Spices, healthy oils Dietary needs addressed: low sugar/salt, gluten-free, etc. Accessible Near home or work Near public transportation (if car breaks down) Minimal waiting Evening availability Weekend availability 8 She probably needs more than one program

9. What else can partner agencies do?  Learn about other programs  Refer Clients 9

10. Pantries & Produce Mobile 10 Pantries –Staples and Produce –96 pantries in SCC and 61 pantries in SMC Produce Mobile –Mobile farmers’ market or inside venue –~30#s of produce, 6-8 different varieties –20 sites in SCC and 17 sites in SMC

11. Prepared Meal Programs (Soup Kitchens) 11 Prepared meal locations throughout San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties 13 in San Mateo County 20 in Santa Clara County No questions asked – anyone can eat there Various meal times and days – from one to six days/week

12. Family Harvest 12 Monthly groceries to low-income households with dependent children at home under age 26. Families receive 110-130 lbs. of food 31 sites in SCC and 14 sites in SMC

13. Brown Bag 13 Supplemental groceries to low-income senior (60+) and disabled (55+) households each week Bags Can Include: Eggs, Chicken, Rice, Cereal, Canned Fruit & Vegetables, Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, Donated Food, Bread, Dairy, Packaged/Frozen items 18-25 lbs/week Sense of belonging for thousands of volunteers and members Nutrition Education about unfamiliar food items, recipes, tastings. 48 sites in SCC and 21 sites in SMC

14. Volunteer 3 hours per week, get groceries Volunteer in warehouse Volunteer as Outreach Promotor Partners In Need (PIN) Program 14

15. Questions?

16. CalFresh = EBT = SNAP = Food Stamps Application Assistance 16 Prescreening and application assistance with mobile workstations 19 regular sites in SMC, 42 in SCC Eligibility: 1)Legal resident or citizen child or adult 2)Meet income guidelines – strict eligibility 3) Not be receiving SSI

17. A family of two could qualify for up to $357/mo. in CalFresh and may not know it! (note: Rita’s income is too high) Average benefits per household served by the Food Bank with application assistance is $203/mo. ~40% of eligible people in our region are not receiving CalFresh benefits. Food Source When, Where and What you Need 17 Connect your clients to CalFresh!

18. MYTHRESPONSE 1.Immigrants Can’t/Shouldn’t Get It Someone in my family is undocumented so we can’t It will make me a “public charge” and hurt my future legal immigration ability My lawyer told me not to get any government benefits. Only people with legal residence can get CalFresh. A parent can apply for their citizen children. It will not make you a public charge because it is a nutrition program, not cash aid. Some cash aid programs CAN cause immigration issues, but not CalFresh that’s why lawyers say not to get “government programs.” 2.I or my children will need to pay it back. No one needs to pay it back – it is not a loan The only time you have to pay it back is if you were overpaid. This can happen if you don’t report income changes. 3.Other people need it moreThere is no limit to how many people can get it How to Respond to Most Common CalFresh Myths 18

19. Questions?

20. Ask: “With the high cost of living, do you worry that food will run out? Do you need more or different food than we offer?” If “YES,” then say… “There are other food programs with free healthy food I would like you to enroll in. Let me make a referral for you!” Screening and Referral 20

21. Food Connection Hotline 21 1(800) 984-3663 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday-Friday Provides food referrals to callers within their zip code Operators speak English, Spanish and Vietnamese and utilize Language Line How many times can clients access services? Any time they need food. There is always something available.

22. Hotline Outreach materials Referral Forms Field Representatives on site –1:1 screening and application assistance FOOD CONNECTION TOOLS Supporting Agencies and Clients 22

23. Client Presentations Staff & Volunteer Training FOOD CONNECTION TOOLS 23

24. Questions?

25. THANK YOU Let’s create a hunger-free community together! Anna Dyer, Director of Services 650-610-0800 x 424 or adyer@shfb.orgadyer@shfb.org Second Harvest Food Bank: Food Connection Team