Building Trust Through Community Clinics: Increasing CalFresh Access in Soledad and Greenfield

At Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey, our CalFresh Outreach (CFO) program is dedicated to helping low-income families in Soledad and Greenfield access the food assistance they need. Many families face barriers such as limited transportation, language challenges, and fears about immigration status, which can make visiting county offices feel intimidating or impossible.

To meet these families where they are, our outreach team partners with trusted local clinics and community sites, creating safe and welcoming spaces where families can get help applying for CalFresh. Bilingual staff guide families through pre-screening, applications, and referrals to other community resources, explaining eligibility, privacy protections, and the application process in both English and Spanish.

By offering support in familiar settings, we reduce fear and confusion and help more families complete and submit applications on the same day. This approach not only increases access to critical food assistance but also strengthens relationships between families and local service providers.

Families tell us they feel relieved and supported knowing they can access food assistance in a safe and trust environment. Moving forward, our outreach team plans to expand these clinics to more community locations, continuing to improve food access and build trust in the communities we serve.

CalFresh Outreach Assister providing application assistance to a client!