Thousands of San Franciscans who receive CalFresh food assistance could begin losing benefits under new federal work requirements, prompting city leaders to launch a program aimed at helping residents maintain eligibility.
The new requirements took effect June 1, with a three-month grace period ending Tuesday. City officials estimate that 17,000 San Francisco residents are at risk of losing CalFresh benefits, the California version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
Mayor Daniel Lurie announced Tuesday that San Francisco will partner with United Way and Project Open Hand to continue the CalFresh Community Works program. The city said nearly $6 million in new grants will help connect recipients with work opportunities so they can continue receiving food assistance.
For recipients such as Troy Brunet, the changes bring uncertainty.
"It's $83. It doesn't go very far," Brunet said of his monthly benefit.
Brunet, who lives with HIV and AIDS, relies on CalFresh and weekly food distributions from the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank.
"Today is my pickup day right down the street at Saint Francis Lutheran church. To pick up food from the food bank today," he said.
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He described some of the food he receives through the program.
"Eggs, onions, some onion. Apple. Bell pepper."
Under the new rules, adults ages 18 to 64 who do not have young children must work 80 hours per month or qualify for an exemption. Those who do not meet the requirement or receive an exemption will be limited to three months of CalFresh benefits during a three-year period.
Brunet said losing his benefits would create additional hardship.
"If I lose my SNAP benefits, than that's what it is. I will have to struggle through to make ends meet which is going to happen to a lot of people unfortunately," he said.
Another recipient, Michael Hampton, also expressed concern.
"I have eggs, bok choy. Oatmeal," Hampton said, describing food he received.
A former paralegal, Hampton said he is unable to work because of health issues.
"That's not realistic for me because I have some medical issues. I can't work at this time," Hampton said. "But I do volunteer to organizations."
To address the new requirements, the city's CalFresh Community Works program will help participants connect with qualifying activities, including work opportunities.
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San Francisco Human Services Agency Executive Director Trent Rhorer said the city is responding to changes imposed at the federal level.
"While we cannot control the changes to public benefits that have been thrust upon us by the federal government, we can and will do everything within our power-including innovative community partnerships-to help food insecure San Franciscans meet the requirement so they can maintain CalFresh," Rhorer said.
Lurie said the initiative is intended to help families retain access to food assistance.
"By connecting San Franciscans to these opportunities, we are not only helping families put food on the table but also making our city stronger, safer, and healthier," Lurie said. "As Washington cuts assistance that San Franciscans rely on, our city is stepping up for our families-strengthening our safety net, bringing down costs, and finding ways to help keep San Franciscans connected to critical food assistance. Every family should be able to put down roots and thrive in the city we all love."
State Assemblymember Alex Lee also criticized the new requirements.
"H.R. 1's expanded work requirements are red tape traps to cut off vital food aid to low-income people," Lee said. "This is yet another cruel and punitive policy by the Republican federal government to starve our families. While the federal regime is destroying our safety nets, we are stepping up to strengthen California's investments in food aid. The state budget bolsters funding for food banks, local counties, and extra food benefits to mitigate the devastating impacts of H.R. 1. As Chair of the Human Services Committee, I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure families have access to affordable and nutritious food."
Food bank leaders said they expect demand for assistance to remain high.
"H.R.-1 is literally taking food out of people's mouth, but the food bank will be here to support where we can," said Marchon Tatmon of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank.
Under the new rules, SNAP recipients may also satisfy eligibility requirements by volunteering, attending school or participating in job-training programs. City officials say the expanded CalFresh Community Works program is intended to help residents navigate those options and avoid losing access to food benefits.
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