In response to the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles County earlier this year, Governor Gavin Newsom has launched an emergency food assistance program to help those affected. The initiative, called Disaster CalFresh, provides financial aid to eligible residents struggling with food insecurity due to the fires.
This relief effort comes as part of a broader $2.5 billion recovery plan to support displaced families, rebuild communities, and assist in disaster recovery.
What is Disaster CalFresh?
Disaster CalFresh is a federally funded program designed to provide one-time food benefits to people in areas hit hardest by the wildfires. A family of four with a monthly income under $3,529 can receive $975 in food assistance.
The program is specifically for those who lived or worked in fire-affected areas on January 7, 2025. If you lost income, suffered property damage, or experienced food loss due to the wildfires, you may qualify.
How to Apply
The application period runs from February 10 to February 14 and again from February 18 to February 19, 2025. Residents can apply in two ways:
- By phone: Call 866-488-8482 (available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday).
- In person: Visit a Los Angeles County DPSS office.
Once approved, benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which can be used at most grocery stores and retailers.
Who Qualifies?
To receive Disaster CalFresh benefits, applicants must meet the following requirements:
✔ Residency – Must have lived or worked in an affected area of Los Angeles County on January 7, 2025.
✔ Income – Household income must fall within the program’s limits (for example, a family of four earning less than $3,529 per month can qualify for $975 in assistance).
✔ Impact from the wildfires, including:
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Disaster-related expenses
- Food loss
Current CalFresh recipients do not need to apply but may receive additional benefits automatically.
More Help on the Way
In addition to food aid, Governor Newsom’s wildfire recovery plan includes:
- Tax & Mortgage Relief – Postponement of tax filing deadlines and property tax relief for affected homeowners.
- Housing Assistance – Easier access to temporary housing and protections against eviction.
- Cleanup Efforts – State-funded debris removal and flood prevention in burned areas.
- Price Gouging Protection – Stricter laws to prevent businesses from overcharging for essentials.
The wildfires have already destroyed over 16,000 structures and caused an estimated $250 billion to $275 billion in damages, making it one of the worst disasters in U.S. history.
Don’t Miss Out—Apply Now!
If you or someone you know has been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, don’t wait! Disaster CalFresh applications are open for a limited time, and this could be a crucial lifeline for many families.
For more information and to apply, visit recovery.lacounty.gov.
This program is part of a larger effort to help Californians rebuild their lives—one step at a time.
