Los Angeles

California food stamp program receives new name: CalFresh

Claire Goldberg

In 2008, Congress renamed the national food stamp program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and gave states the option of coming up with their own name and branding. This name did not test well in local communities because of its suggestion of a welfare program rather than a health and nutrition program. Thus, CalFresh became the new name for California’s food stamp program after its launch this past Saturday at a Long Beach event sponsored by first lady Maria Shriver. Officials hope this change will encourage more families to apply and receive a nutritional benefit. Changing the image of the food stamp program leads a large effort to increase participation in the program, which can offer up to $200 per month of food benefits to qualifying families. While more than three million Californians receive the benefit, fewer than half of eligible residents receive the benefit. It is estimated that every dollar in benefits results in as much as $1.84 in economic activity by increasing business for grocery chains, farms and transportation companies.

• National food stamp program: federal program that provides assistance via food stamps (food cards in today’s world) to low and no-income people and families

• Welfare program: government action that strives to promote the well-being of individuals in need as well as improve their financial situation and employment chances

Additional Readings:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-food-stamps-20101024,0,6748993.story

http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-us-food-stamps,0,2868002.story