Supporting a Community Member in Accessing CalFresh at Molina Healthcare in Chula Vista

Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego (CCDSD) provides CalFresh Outreach (CFO) services to help individuals and families access nutritious food and improve food security. Our program focuses on reaching underserved communities by bringing services directly into trusted community spaces through strong local partnerships. One key partnership is with Molina Healthcare in Chula Vista, where our team provides on-site outreach and CalFresh application assistance.

Many individuals in this community face barriers such as limited income, language challenges, lack of transportation, and uncertainty about eligibility for food assistance programs. During one outreach event at Molina Healthcare, our team connected with a client who was experiencing financial hardship due to rising living expenses and difficulty affording groceries. Prior to meeting our staff, the client had not applied for CalFresh because they felt overwhelmed by the application process and were unsure if they qualified for assistance.

Our team provided individualized, one-on-one support to guide the client through the CalFresh application process. We explained program eligibility requirements and benefits in a clear and accessible way to help the client feel informed and comfortable. Staff assisted the client with gathering documentation, completing the application accurately, and understanding next steps in the process.

The client expressed concerns about making mistakes and communicating with the County if follow-up was needed. To address these concerns, our team maintained ongoing communication and prepared the client for potential phone interviews and additional documentation requests. This continued support reduced the client’s stress and increased their confidence in navigating the process.

While the application was under review, the client was connected to immediate food assistance through the Emergency Food Distribution Network Plus (EFDN+) pantry services to ensure access to nutritious food during the waiting period. Through this comprehensive support, the client’s CalFresh application was successfully approved.

Receiving CalFresh benefits has had a meaningful impact on the client’s overall well-being. The client now has reliable access to healthy food, allowing them to better manage household expenses and reduce financial stress. Access to food assistance has also positively supported the client’s household by improving food stability and quality of life.

In addition to CalFresh, the client remains connected to other community resources, including ongoing support through EFDN+ pantry services. Our team will continue following up to assist with maintaining benefits, completing renewals, and connecting the client to additional services as needed.

This success story highlights the importance of meeting individuals where they are and providing culturally responsive services in trusted community settings like Molina Healthcare in Chula Vista. By reducing barriers and offering personalized support, CCDSD continues to connect more community members with critical food resources and long-term stability.

The client shared, “I didn’t think I would qualify, but you helped me every step of the way. Now I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to afford food.”