May is CalFresh Awareness Month, and we’re celebrating with a quiz! Answer the questions below to see if you know all the ways CalFresh (SNAP nationally) makes a difference for 5 million Californians facing hunger – including 100,000 neighbors in Contra Costa and Solano Counties. Then test your knowledge against friends and family, and see who’s a CalFresh champion!
With proposed federal budget cuts threatening to reduce funding for CalFresh, there’s never been a better time to learn what this powerful hunger-fighting program is all about.
Ready for the challenge? Go!
1. Where can neighbors use CalFresh benefits?
- Grocery stores
- Amazon
- Target
- All of the above
ANSWER
All of the above, and at most farmers’ markets, too!
2. True or False: Increased participation in CalFresh costs taxpayers more money.
ANSWER
False. CalFresh is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Since it’s a federal entitlement program, taxpayers are not affected by neighbors utilizing benefits.
3. Every $1 in CalFresh benefits generates ___ in local economic activity.
- $1.24
- $1.34
- $1.44
- $1.54
ANSWER
Every $1 spent generates $1.54 when neighbors shop for groceries, leading to more jobs and wages in the community. Bottom line, CalFresh boosts local businesses and the economy.
4. Which of these is an advantage of CalFresh?
- Access to healthy food
- Frees up money to pay for rent and bills
- Increases food-buying power
- All of the above
ANSWER
All of the above. Buying nutritious food with an EBT card means neighbors can use their money to purchase medication, heat their homes and pay for everyday necessities.
5. What factors are taken into consideration when applying for CalFresh?
- Monthly income
- Welfare benefits
- Retirement savings
ANSWER
Monthly income. Eligibility depends on monthly income and the number of people living in the household. In short, CalFresh is based on income, not assets.
6. Who can qualify for CalFresh?
- Homeless individuals
- People ages 60+
- Disabled individuals
- All of the above
ANSWER
All of the above, plus employed/unemployed individuals, active/non-active military personnel and adults of all ages. As long as community members are within the income limits, they may be eligible for CalFresh.
7. For every meal a neighbor receives at a food bank, CalFresh provides _ meals.
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
ANSWER
9 meals! Without CalFresh, the need at food banks would be much higher than it is today.
8. True or false: Neighbors who receive Social Security or Disability benefits are not eligible for CalFresh.
Answer
False. Social Security (SSA) and Disability (SSDI and SDI) recipients may be eligible for CalFresh, and receiving CalFresh will not affect the benefit amount. Enrollment in programs like Medi-Cal, CalWORKS, WIC and Meals on Wheels does not impact eligibility either.
9. What impact does CalFresh have on the 50,000 kids in Contra Costa and Solano counties who utilize benefits?
- Improved school performance
- Lower risk of chronic health issues
- Better social and emotional well-being
- All of the above
ANSWER
All of the above. Proper nutrition enhances children’s daily lives and prepares them for a brighter future.
10. Last year, the Food Bank’s CalFresh team helped ___ neighbors sign up for benefits.
- 500
- 750
- 1000
- 1500+
ANSWER
In 2024, our (amazing!) bilingual CalFresh team helped over 1,500 people determine if they are eligible for benefits and navigated the application process.
How’d you do?
If you’d like to learn more about how CalFresh benefits our neighbors in need – and our local economy – and find out how you can help us fight cuts to this important program, check out this blog post to learn more.
If you’d like to see if you’re eligible for CalFresh, we’re here to help!
