During the pandemic, the majority of those who have experienced food insecurity in Los Angeles County have been Latinos, first and second generation immigrants, as well as low-income women among the 18 Y 50 years.
These data were the result of a survey made at 1, Professor of Preventive Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC), during the videoconference: “As food insecurity increases, let’s make sure that no one goes hungry in Los Angeles”, offered by Ethnic Media Services.
He specified that about 1.2 million families in the county went hungry between April and December of 2020. That is, one out of every three families; and it is estimated that the 40% of Latinos and African Americans had trouble accessing food.
Also during the pandemic they found that people among the 41 Y 50 years were at greater risk of food insecurity due to job loss, and usually had dependents and other financial obligations.
“People with small social networks of friends and family tended to experience plus the lack of access to food. And the same thing happened at the beginning of the pandemic with people who fell ill with covid, “said Dr. De la Haye.
“We also saw that one in four residents live in food deserts, where they do not have access to a supermarket and had difficulty getting food , either because there are no nearby stores, they were closed, had limited hours or did not have personal transportation. ”
Based on the Results of the survey, the USC professor recommended that governments continue to invest in emergency food assistance and diversify programs to increase enrollment in government food programs.
And advised investing in a fair food system that supports access for all of the county’s diverse communities.
Effort extra
Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, president of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, said she was proud of what the county has done to protect the most vulnerable residents. “We have had more than 140 food distribution events and we have put 12 million pounds and a million dollars in baby formula on the tables of hungry families. ”
He added that they have delivered about 7 million meals to the elderly and more than 1, 000 millions of meals for those experiencing homelessness.
The supervisor expressed her fears that greater food insecurity would be unleashed, due to the high rates of the Delta variant, and because many people will not be able to return to work.
“Our children may have to stay home longer. We are not sure what that means, but we have to help vulnerable families. ”
One way to help them is with an emergency feeding kit to feed a family for a week, but if they apply for CalFresh or WIC, they can get free meals all year long.
Almost two million people in LA County are eligible for monthly meals, but only 1.3 million are taking advantagej a. “We are here to close that gap. Part of the problem is that many undocumented families are afraid, and I want to tell them that we never ask about immigration status ”
Nor should the rule worry of public charge, because the federal administration pushed it aside. “The federal government has assured us that they can access CalFresh, WIC and many other problems.”
Thousands can apply
Kiran Saluja, director of the federal WIC program that offers food and nutritional assistance, said there is 400, 000 people Eligible in Los Angeles County to enroll in this program that is critical to helping mothers and babies as well as families.
It revealed that half of the babies in the United States qualify for the WIC program and in Los Angeles, they are more than 66%.
“If you receive CalFresh, CalWorks or Medical, you automatically meet the eligibility requirements. In terms of income, a family of 4 making $ 4, 000 per month is eligible. ”
But he also said that they never ask about immigration status and it is not part of the public charge rule. “ But there is such fear, that we have found families who need food, but who do not want to be part of the program, despite all our efforts, when each month can have the benefit of nutritious food ”.
Thanks to the Economic Rescue Plan 2021 have been able to provide $ 35 additional fruits and vegetables for each person, and they will do so until September
For more information and to see if you qualify for WIC, call 888 942 2229; or send a text to 91997. You can also visit: www.phfewic.org/apply
It should be noted that for WIC, undocumented people do qualify, as long as they are under 5 years old, pregnant or lactating women and who are within the income guidelines of up to $ 4, 086 for a family of 4.
Healthy food
LaShonda Diggs, chief of the CalFresh program at the LA County Department of Public Social Services, said these food stamps are the first line of defense against food insecurity for the most vulnerable.
“During the pandemic, for the first time many residents applied for CalFresh, as a result of losing their jobs. That is why it is important to spread the word that this program helps low-income families have access to healthy food. ”
He estimated that there are more than 1.5 million people who may qualify for CalFresh, but are not receiving these benefits that would prevent them from going hungry.
Currently, they serve 1.3 million people. In April of 2020, demand skyrocketed 179% compared to April of 2019.
Who is eligible?
Diggs said that Low-income or no-income US citizens or legal residents, even if they own property. For families with mixed status, with children who have immigration status, and parents may not, the family can apply for CalFresh for their children.
“For those who are not sure if they qualify, we prefer that they apply and not eliminate themselves.”
Due to the Plan of Economic Rescue, CalFresh benefits have increased 15% until the 30 of September. For example, for a $ 3 family, 620, now they can receive up to $ 616 more per family.
The best way to apply for these benefits is to visit the calfresh.org page or call at 866 – 613 – 3777 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4: 18 pm