Free Food Distributed to Needy Families in Highland Park

by LA1 News

   The CalFresh Program, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and as the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP), gave away free food packages to qualified applicants in Highland Park this morning. Trucks filled with boxes from the L.A. Regional Food Bank pulled in early to the parking lot of the Highland Park Senior Citizen Center at 6162 N. Figueroa Street. By 9:30 a.m., the line of people was out nearly to the Veterans Memorial Square. Representatives said the giveaway will end at 11 a.m.

   The program issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores. Qualified families include “lawfully-present immigrants” who have lived in the country in a "qualified status" for five years, or who are receiving disability-related assistance or benefits, regardless of entry date, or are children under 18 years of age who are qualified and lawfully-admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationalization Act.

   California also has a program for immigrants who have not lived here for five years, but have a lawful permanent resident status, or “qualified” immigration status, and meet all other program eligibility criteria. Non-citizens that are in the U.S. temporarily, such as students or tourists are not eligible. “Undocumented individuals” are also ineligible. Applicants seeking only the CalFresh free food staples may need to meet certain work rules. They may need to take part in certain employment and training activities such as searching for work, performing community service, or going to school or training. Some households are also restricted to a “resource limit” depending on certain variables.