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OC offering resources fair for those impacted by loss of pandemic-related assistance

March 23, 2023

Orange County residents impacted by the loss of pandemic-related emergency CalFresh benefits can attend a resources fair this weekend where food, entertainment and help with other services will be on hand.

Federal funds added in response to the declared coronavirus emergency will end this month, reducing benefits provided through the state’s CalFresh food assistance program by at least $95. For many families, that loss is estimated to be about $170.

“The end of the COVID-19 CalFresh emergency benefits and the return to the Medi-Cal renewal process will hit Central Orange County the hardest, especially cities within my district, including Santa Ana and Anaheim,” said Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, who is hosting the Community Resources and Health Fair along with the county’s Social Services Agency.

Tens of thousands of Southern Californians could also lose out on Medi-Cal benefits, California’s Medicaid program, in the near future as states start to resume the redetermination process. Before the pandemic, those on Medi-Cal had to re-enroll annually in the state insurance program, but during lockdown orders, that was halted, meaning members were able to keep coverage even if they were no longer eligible.

“Many of our residents will now struggle to find ways to make up for these losses,” Sarmiento said.

Food and free diapers will be available, while supplies last, as well as applications for public assistance benefits like CalFresh and Medi-Cal. CalOptima Health, Latino Health Access and United Across Borders Foundation, among other organizations, will be on hand to help with resources.

The Social Services Agency will bring in a team to assist those who wish to apply for public assistance benefits or answer questions about their current benefits.

“This event brings together the pieces — our partners — who can help solve the puzzle of how residents can manage increased costs, from food to rent to gas and utilities, in one of the highest cost of living areas in the nation,” An Tran, director of the Social Services Agency, said.

The fair will be this Saturday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Santa Ana’s Centennial Park near the corner of Edinger Avenue and Fairview Street.

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