DPSS Executive Progress Report TO COMPRESS

NEED FOR FOOD ASSISTANCE EXPECTED TO INCREASE IN 2021

Community partners, public agencies and volunteers have rallied to ensure the needs are met of thousands of individuals experiencing food shortages during the pandemic. Programs such as CalFresh and Restaurant Meals have played an important role in meeting the nutritional needs of children and adults. Since April, the state has issued more than $82 million in emergency CalFresh Allotments to 75,000 Riverside County households to replace free meals during school closures. Other sources of nutrition are also helping households weather the economic crisis. The state has issued 281,000 children in Riverside County more than $102.5 million in pandemic emergency food benefits since April. As short-term relief programs wane, we are preparing for an increased need in food assistance. We will be focused on increasing participation in the CalFresh program to reduce hunger among low-income and working class households.

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES