New CalFresh Work Requirements Threaten Food Benefits for Californians
New work and community engagement requirements for CalFresh, California's version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are set to take effect. These changes could impact hundreds of thousands of people across Southern California and the state. Under the new rules, recipients aged 18 to 64, who are not disabled and do not have a dependent child under 14, must prove they are working, participating in training, or completing volunteer or community-service hours each month. Carlos Marquez, executive director of the County Welfare Directors Association of California, criticized the changes, stating they impose unnecessary barriers on eligible individuals, including military veterans, former foster youth, and those facing homelessness. Currently, 2.7 million people are enrolled in CalFresh. 
