CalFresh Senior Outreach Partnership

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

Nutrition is essential to the senior population’s health and well-being. The CalFresh Senior Outreach Partnership is a collaborative effort between the San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department (TAD) and the Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), established to inform seniors of a nutrition program available to them and to assist the senior population in applying for available nutritional assistance. TAD administers the county’s financial, nutritional and medical assistance support programs, including the CalFresh nutritional support program, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). DAAS Social Service Aides and Senior Information and Assistance (SIA) Area Representatives visit local Senior Centers, Assisted Living Facilities, Community Centers and other facilities/agencies to assess the needs of seniors, including their nutritional needs. In the CalFresh Senior Outreach Partnership, the Social Services Aides and SIA Area Representatives assist senior citizens in completing CalFresh/SNAP applications, either on paper or electronically, via an on-line e-application. They also help seniors gather the necessary verifications required to determine program eligibility. This program provides dual services of education and application assistance to the senior population of San Bernardino County, making them aware of and helping them obtain valuable nutrition assistance available to them.