The CalFresh Outreach Challenge encourages districts to add the CalFresh application link to their website for a chance to win $500. Through this challenge, No Kid Hungry is building awareness of Senate Bill 708, which requires districts that have school meal applications on their website to also include the CalFresh application link as well. This legislation was largely unknown by schools across Southern California. The Challenge included the first of its kind CalFresh “Good for Students, Good for Schools” webinar and a co-branded CalFresh toolkit for schools was paramount in aligning and strengthening partnerships with schools, county agencies and community partners.
No Kid Hungry spoke with four community partners who are taking the No Kid Hungry’s CalFresh Outreach Challenge – leading the way in ensuring eligible California families are aware of CalFresh and how to enroll.
Addressing Food Insecurity Through San Bernardino Schools
In San Bernardino County, Robin Ronkes, CNAP Coordinator and Public Health Nutritionist with San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Nutrition Program/CalFresh Healthy Living, is taking the challenge. As part of the CalFresh Outreach Challenge, Ronkes encouraged school districts to put a CalFresh button on their websites. Of the 33 school districts in San Bernardino County, initially only 5 had the CalFresh button on their website – by March, that number had grown by 60%! This means more San Bernardino County families are able to access CalFresh information and applications through their schools.
A big congratulations to the San Bernardino County’s CalFresh Outreach Challenge winners: Chino Valley Unified School District, Upland Unified School District, Mt. Baldy School District, and Cucamonga School District.
Hunger Free Kids in San Diego Schools
In San Diego County, the San Diego Hunger Coalition’s (SDHC) Hunger Free Kids Coordinator, Ashley Jeznach is taking the challenge. CalFresh Awareness Month and the CalFresh Outreach in Schools initiative Jeznach notes they are focused on “changing the conversation around and breaking down the stigmas surrounding the CalFresh program. When more people acknowledge CalFresh as a positive and helpful resource, it ultimately leads to increased enrollment.”
With funding support from No Kid Hungry, the San Diego Hunger Coalition began a cross-program initiative in January 2022: CalFresh Outreach in Schools. SDHC’s Hunger Free Kids and CalFresh program teams set out to increase enrollment in CalFresh at targeted school districts, making them eligible for additional school meal funding through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program.
A big congratulations to the San Diego County CalFresh Outreach Challenge winners: Fallbrook Union Elementary School District and Borrego Springs Unified School District
It Takes A Village, a Call to Action in Riverside County
In Riverside County, Andrea Morey, the County Nutrition Action Partnership (CNAP) Coordinator with Riverside University Health System is taking the challenge. Morey explains that CalFresh is “a small boost to help adults and families save on groceries, especially when working through challenging life circumstances. CalFresh is a great program to fill the gaps for families who need a little support. However, it is a critical resource many are not aware of, or may have misconceptions about.“
Encouraged by No Kid Hungry and neighboring counties who also run their own CalFresh Outreach Challenge, Morey built stronger relationships with school nutrition directors in the county as well as Riverside County’s Department of Public Social Services. Morey has a call to action for partners. “As a partner, your support and advocacy is so necessary! The commitment can be as minimal or extensive as you like. Even simple efforts to promote CalFresh and WIC can be very impactful in the life of a child. We are here to help in any way possible.”
A big congratulations to the Riverside County CalFresh Outreach Challenge winners: Romoland Elementary School District, Alvord Unified School District, and Temecula International Academy.
Breaking Stigma & Celebrating CalFresh
The county’s efforts during the CalFresh Outreach Challenge brought in John Nelson, Senior Vice President of LINQ, a trusted partner and internet platform provider for many school district and nutrition service websites. Because of John Nelson’s partnership and efforts, LINQ was proudly able to add a link to the CalFresh application on nutrition websites in 285 school districts.
“I am proud to have friends who work in K-12 nutrition who are dedicated to feeding America on a daily basis,” Nelson further added. “I look at the work that these people did during Covid-19, serving families who were truly in need, and I am inspired. Their actions move me to action and cause me to want to be a part. Remove the guilt, remove the shame, focus on the food and celebrate the meal!”
CalFresh reduces poverty, promotes healthy eating and living, and prevents hunger, but many individuals and families are unaware they may be eligible to receive benefits. The CalFresh Outreach Challenge is just the first step to ensure all kids have the food they need to power their dreams. Join No Kid Hungry in celebrating CalFresh Awareness Month and take the CalFresh Challenge!
The CalFresh Outreach Challenge is currently active in Los Angeles and Orange Counties! Learn more.
More Resources & Information
- Visit the No Kid Hungry California website to download our toolkits and watch the webinars.
- CalFresh Social Marketing Toolkit: https://express.adobe.com/page/N9cl9qiFTUbSy/
- Contact your County Department of Social Services for additional resources, training and enrollment information.
- Read about public charge and how you can raise awareness on the issue.
Last Reviewed: May 31, 2022