Embedding Eligibility Workers in Food Banks

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

To support the Live Well San Diego vision and the Healthy Families strategic initiative the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) partnered with the two California Association of Food Banks to embed eligibility staff in their operations to enhance access to nutrition assistance and health coverage. This partnership provides CalFresh (California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) application assistance in a time, manner and place that is more convenient and suitable for many applicants. It enables horizontal integration for those who wish to apply for Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program). The partnership facilitates communication that assists consumers through the application process and helps ensure timely and accurate issuance of benefits. Working in partnership with the local food banks, embedded staff help provide services for better nutrition to improve the health and well-being of families.