After suffering strokes, Cuc “Patty” Dao found herself managing cooking for her and her elderly mother. Living in Bakersfield, neither could drive, making grocery shopping challenging. Then came relief in the form of weekly deliveries of medically tailored groceries, thanks to her managed care plan.
With these deliveries, Dao received fresh foods and low-sodium recipes. Previously reliant on fast food due to budget constraints, this program changed her habits. “They sent me healthy food I’d never used before,” she said. “I began cooking again, and it was life-changing.”
This approach, known as “Food as Medicine,” offers creative solutions to food access issues for vulnerable Californians, especially the elderly or disabled. Advocates stress that these initiatives are crucial, particularly after recent federal delays in distributing SNAP benefits, California’s version called CalFresh.
In November, the situation worsened. Websites for food banks, such as the Alameda County Community Food Bank, saw website traffic soar from around 5,000 visits to nearly 37,000. “Around 180,000 people in Alameda County rely on SNAP,” noted Michael Altfest, director of community engagement.
But this spike may not indicate relief. The California Association of Food Banks reported an overall increase in food demand between 15% and 40% across their member banks, highlighting a growing struggle with food insecurity.
“Food insecurity has many layers,” said researchers, observing that while some households see improvement, new groups face challenges. Arnali Ray, executive director of The Hollywood Food Coalition, said they now serve up to 400 meals nightly. “We’re seeing more older individuals, women, and families,” Ray added.
Economic pressures like inflation are exacerbating the situation. New SNAP work requirements could soon affect many adults up to age 64, leaving many without aid. “Around 800,000 Californians may soon find themselves subject to these new rules,” Call pointed out. Coupled with fears surrounding immigration policy, many eligible individuals are withdrawing from food aid.
Despite these hurdles, local food banks are actively responding. Some counties have declared food access emergencies, unlocking additional funds for food programs. Alameda County allocated $8.3 million to its food bank, and others, such as Santa Cruz, have made significant emergency contributions.
California’s government isn’t sitting idle either. They’ve boosted funding for the CalFood program, which helps food banks purchase fresh produce. Just last session, an additional $20 million was approved as food access advocates push for more.
Dao benefited from Medi-Cal’s Enhanced Care Management, part of a broader initiative aimed at improving health outcomes for those with chronic conditions. Her story is a powerful testament to the positive impact of these programs. No longer considered at high risk for hospital readmission, her health has improved.
This type of initiative is gaining traction in California and beyond. Rebecca Murillo from the Alameda County Community Food Bank notes a rising interest in medically tailored groceries.
For those struggling, many resources are available. According to Nourish California, about 8.8% of adults over 60 are food insecure, up 1% from last year. However, advocates emphasize that people should seek help without fear.
Here are some vital resources:
- 2-1-1: A helpful hotline for local food sources, though be prepared for possibly outdated information.
- CalFresh: The state’s SNAP program offers guidance and application support at getcalfresh.org.
- National Council on Aging: Their benefitscheckup.org connects older adults with food and health benefits.
- Food Banks: Search online for nearby food banks or pantries. Requirements are usually minimal, and many accept donations.
In California, food insecurity remains a pressing issue, but the commitment to address it shines through community efforts and supportive programs.
For those interested in advocacy, reaching out to local representatives about food aid policies can make a difference. As Call states, “No one should go hungry in California, the richest state in the country.”
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