The SLO County Board of Supervisors has declared May 2025 as “CalFresh Awareness Month” to promote CalFresh—a program supporting over 31,000 local residents and boosting the economy.
This recognition comes at a crucial time, as Congress considers proposals that could reduce SNAP funding by 10% or more.
Why CalFresh Matters in San Luis Obispo County
CalFresh is more than a food assistance program; it’s a powerful economic engine. According to the SLO Food Bank, CalFresh provides over $6 million in benefits every month to county residents, supporting not only individuals and families, but also local grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and agriculture producers.
As Garrett Frice, Community Wellness Program Manager at SLO County Public Health Department, explains, “CalFresh supports the health of our community and our local economy… helping ensure every person in our community has the food they need to live a healthy life.”
With CalFresh providing ten meals for every one meal offered by local food banks, a reduction in SNAP funding would place unprecedented strain on organizations like the SLO Food Bank.
The CalFresh Alliance: Working Together to End Hunger
To increase enrollment and ensure eligible residents receive the support they need, the CalFresh Alliance—a collaboration among the SLO Food Bank, Department of Social Services, County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department, and other community partners—is ramping up outreach throughout May.
Free CalFresh Application Assistance Every Friday in May
In honor of CalFresh Awareness Month, the SLO Food Bank and Department of Social Services are offering one-on-one application assistance appointments every Friday in May, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the SLO Food Bank Pantry.
Robb Koch, CalFresh Program Manager at the Department of Social Services, encourages eligible residents to take advantage of these sessions: “We want to make the process as simple as possible by walking applicants through the application from start to finish.”
Trained staff will be on hand to answer questions, help community members complete their applications, and explain the process in a supportive environment.
Countywide Outreach and Information Sessions
Throughout May, the SLO Food Bank and County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department are also hosting information sessions and conducting countywide outreach. These events aim to help residents understand CalFresh benefits, eligibility requirements, and address common misconceptions about the program.
Get Involved and Learn More
If you or someone you know could benefit from CalFresh, or if you want to support food security efforts in San Luis Obispo County:
- Learn more about CalFresh or apply for benefits: Visit calfreshslo.org
- Discover SLO Food Bank programs or volunteer: Visit slofoodbank.org
- Find out more about county services: Visit slocounty.gov
This May, help spread the word about CalFresh Awareness Month—because access to healthy food and a strong local economy benefits everyone in San Luis Obispo County.
About the SLO Food Bank: The SLO Food Bank’s mission is to work with a network of community partners to alleviate hunger in San Luis Obispo County and build a healthier community. The SLO Food Bank is serving over 45,000 neighbors each month through its Neighborhood Food Distributions, a network of over 70 nonprofit Agency Partners, its Senior Home Delivery Program, and Children’s and Seniors’ Farmer’s Markets. All of this is made possible by volunteers’ time and donors’ support. To learn more about resources offered by the SLO Food Bank or ways to get involved, please visit www.slofoodbank.org.
About San Luis Obispo County: The County of San Luis Obispo’s elected representatives and employees are committed to serving the community with pride to enhance the economic, environmental and social quality of life in San Luis Obispo County. The County government provides more than 700 public services, including law enforcement, animal control, flu shots, transportation planning, foster care, and more. Learn more at slocounty.gov.