Q: I am having trouble affording the rising cost of food these days. What resources are there to help?
A: You are definitely not alone in this. Food costs have been rising, as have many of our other expenses. Thankfully, there are several resources available that may be able to help.
One of the most helpful resources available is CalFresh. This is our local form of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). It is a benefit program that helps low-income households purchase food to meet their nutritional needs at home. The benefit is issued through an Electronic Benefit Transfer, commonly known as an EBT card.
You can apply online at BenefitsCal.com. This allows you to create an account and apply instantly, including uploading supporting documents. However, if you cannot apply online, you can call 1-888-472-4463 to request that a paper application be mailed to you. You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and there are income limits. For example, for a person over age 60 who lives alone, the income limit is $2,610 per month.
If approved, you can shop for your regular groceries using the EBT card just like you would use a credit card.
There are also food pantries and free meal sites available.
Food Share is a local nonprofit in Ventura County that offers a listing of food banks and other food programs that can supplement your food costs. You can learn about resources in your area at https://foodshare.com/find-help/ or by calling 805-983-7100.
In addition to their regular pantry sites, they also offer specific senior food boxes that cater to older adults on a fixed income. You can email seniorkits@foodshare.com or call (805) 983-7100 for more information about their Senior Food Box program.
Food Share also compiles a list of locations that offer free hot meals. There are a variety of locations, including many local churches. Locations, dates, and times sometimes change, and each site may have different eligibility requirements. It is helpful to call or check websites before you go.
Congregate lunch meal sites are also offered through the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging. These are hot lunches provided at a community center or senior center, where people can get a meal and enjoy socialization. All individuals age 60 or older are welcome to participate in congregate meal services, regardless of income. There is no charge for the meal, only a suggested donation.
They also offer home-delivered meals if you are age 60 or older and homebound. These programs are not income-based. You can call the Area Agency on Aging to find your local site at 805-477-7300.
You can also call 211 to find resources near you. This is a free and confidential service that connects you with local resources, including food, housing, utility assistance, and other support services.
There are a variety of resources available, so the key is understanding which ones best fit your needs and qualifications. Take your time reviewing this list of options and making some calls to determine what will work for you. Consider what you can cook and prepare, and what you may need ready-to-eat.
Reaching out for help with food assistance is a sign of strength and resilience. With inflation and rising food costs placing increased pressure on household budgets, food banks across the country are experiencing significantly higher demand. This reflects broader economic conditions rather than individual shortcomings.
It is important to remember that many people are navigating similar circumstances. Accessing available resources is a practical way to manage these challenges and highlights the value of these support systems.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
