Every Monday, even though food is not distributed at Catholic Charities of Orange County (CCOC)’s food distribution center in Santa Ana, a CalFresh Food Assister is available and ready to help. The local community is already aware that they can receive CalFresh Food benefits assistance at the center, thanks to the flyers we’ve distributed in the past and those given to families seeking diapers during the week, which announce our Monday assistance. They appreciate that we help reduce the time and distance they need to travel to receive CalFresh Food benefits assistance.
One Monday, Angela encountered a mother of five children at the center. The mother was surprised not to see lines of people waiting for food and worried that we had stopped distributing it. Angela explained that food is distributed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, not on Mondays. The mother then shared that her family lives in a nearby mobile home. She was aware of Catholic Charities’ food distribution but had never sought assistance because her family had been managing, and she believed that others with greater need should receive the help. However, she mentioned that her husband had recently been laid off, and her family was now struggling. Given the size of her family and the fact that three of her five children have special needs, she needed to stay home to care for them. That Monday, she came to the center hoping to get food to ease her family’s difficulties, even if just for a few days.
After listening to her story, Angela explained that CCOC could help her screen and apply for CalFresh Food benefits, and that her family might be eligible. The mother had not realized that CalFresh Food benefits could support her family during these difficult times. She was excited when Angela explained how simple the application process was and reassured her that, as an Assister, she would be there every step of the way. Angela provided her with a list of required documents, and about an hour later, the mother returned with everything needed. Angela then began the application process, and within about an hour, the application was submitted. The mother was amazed by how convenient the process was, and appreciated that she didn’t have to drive far, struggle with parking, or spend time waiting in a county office line, away from her children.
Three weeks later, Angela received a call from the mother, informing her that she had received a letter notifying her that the application was approved. She expressed her gratitude for CCOC's presence in the community and for providing convenient services to those in need.
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