Some CalFresh recipients in Orange County are expected to get $25 dollar grocery cards later this month as part of an emergency move to get food assistance into the hands of needy families.

The backstory

The cards will come from CalOptima Health, which provides health care to low income individuals in Orange County. CalOptima set aside $8 million for urgent assistance and will give it to about 200,000 clients who are also CalFresh recipients. The funding comes as the future of federal food assistance benefits remains unclear amid the U.S. government shutdown.

“This will be most helpful right now,” said Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health.

“We didn’t want to wait” until the political wrangling in Washington, D.C., comes to an end, he said, adding: “People can’t wait.”

Where is the

See Full Page