Riverside County CalFresh recipients have until Oct. 30 to request Storm Rachel food replacements

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. — Riverside County CalFresh recipients who lost food due to Post-Tropical Cyclone Rachel have until Oct. 30 to report their losses and request replacement food benefits.

The storm, which made landfall along the Southern California coast Oct. 10, brought heavy rain, flooding, mudslides, high winds and power outages that lasted several days.

The state approved an extension of the standard 10-day reporting period to 20 days for eligible households in disaster-impacted areas throughout Riverside County. State officials estimate that 18,471 households in affected areas receive CalFresh benefits.

Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez encouraged residents who lost food to contact the county Department of Public Social Services before the deadline to seek assistance.

CalFresh recipients can report food losses through the following options:

• Online: BenefitsCal.com
• Phone: 1-877-410-8827
• In person: Visit a Self-Sufficiency office.
• By mail or fax: Submit a food-loss report to the department.

Residents may also receive assistance at upcoming community outreach events.

CalFresh provides monthly food benefits through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase groceries at participating stores, farmers markets and online retailers.

Residents who do not currently receive CalFresh but need food assistance can apply at BenefitsCal.com, call 1-877-410-8827 or visit a Self-Sufficiency office.

Eligible households are encouraged to report food losses as soon as possible to meet the Oct. 30 deadline.