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LA County Tries to Extend CalFresh Waiver That Makes It Easier for Elderly to Get Food

"Food insecurity is a significant issue across Los Angeles County during these unprecedented times. As the COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated, those who are elderly as well as people who have a disability, face significant challenges every day including not knowing where their next meal will come from,'' Solis said.

Fresh fruits and vegetables
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The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to send a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture supporting California's request to extend a program that has made it easier for senior and disabled people to receive food benefits.

Supervisor Hilda Solis recommended weighing in on the Elderly Simplified Application Project, a state waiver which streamlines the process of applying for CalFresh benefits by waiving a requirement for a recertification interview, using data matching to make verification simpler, and certifying benefits for a longer period of time for elderly and disabled applicants.

"Food insecurity is a significant issue across Los Angeles County during these unprecedented times. As the COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated, those who are elderly as well as people who have a disability, face significant challenges every day including not knowing where their next meal will come from,'' Solis said.

"Barrier-reducing initiatives such as ESAP must be encouraged and supported because no person who is elderly or has a disability should have to go hungry in Los Angeles County,'' she said.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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