Meeting Neighbors Where They Are — CalFresh Outreach at Partner Food Distribution

In times of rising food insecurity, it’s more important than ever to ensure that neighbors not only have access to immediate food relief—but also to sustainable support systems like CalFresh. Catholic Charities Yolo-Solano (CCYOSO) recognized the need to meet clients in the spaces they already trust and frequent, leading to a creative and impactful partnership with Food is Free, a local grassroots food distribution effort focused on eliminating barriers to food access.

This collaboration was built on the shared belief that access to resources should be as convenient and dignified as possible. By integrating CalFresh outreach directly into the Food is Free distribution events, the CCYOSO team has been able to build relationships, answer questions in real time, and walk clients through the application process in a familiar and welcoming setting.

During one of the first outreach efforts at Food is Free, CCYOSO was able to help eight individuals begin their application process right there on site. The community-centered environment provided a unique opportunity to break down the stigma sometimes associated with applying for public benefits and to make the process feel less intimidating. A few weeks later, while returning to support another distribution, the assister was approached by a client who had applied during the previous visit. Beaming with gratitude, the client shared that they had already been approved for CalFresh and expressed how much it meant to receive help in that moment of need. Their story served as an immediate reminder of the impact that on-the-ground outreach can have, and the vital importance of accessible, human-centered services. As the partnership has continued, the team has learned valuable lessons—like how rainy days significantly affect turnout and outreach success. These small details have helped shape a more effective and responsive outreach strategy, centered on flexibility and real-time feedback from the community.

This collaboration between Food is Free and Catholic Charities Yolo-Solano is more than just an outreach opportunity—it’s a model of what can happen when local organizations come together with a shared mission of dignity, access, and community care. By embedding CalFresh assistance directly into a trusted food resource, CCYOSO is not only increasing benefit access, but also restoring trust and building long-term pathways out of food insecurity. Each visit has become a chance to listen, learn, and adapt—proving that when we meet people where they are, we create space for meaningful, lasting change.