People who lived or worked in areas impacted by the fires can apply for assistance through the D-CalFresh program
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the implementation of new food benefits for people affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County. Starting on February 10, those affected can apply for assistance through the CalFresh Disaster program (D-CalFresh), which will provide a one-time payment of $975 to eligible households.
«California’s response and recovery efforts will continue to be guided by the needs of the people across the affected region. My administration is focused on helping the people and families who need it most, which means creating new and expanded benefit programs. Starting February 10, I encourage eligible people to apply for D-CalFresh benefits, which will allow more families to put more food on the table,” said Governor Newsom.
The assistance is aimed at those who lived or worked in the affected areas on January 7, 2025 and reside in the following specified zip codes.
- Eaton: 91104, 91206, 91103, 91016, 91010, 91001, 91214, 91101, 91107, 91006, 91208, 91020, 91105, 91011, 91024, 91008, 91007, 91042, and 91106.
- Hughes: 91334, 91350, 91355, 91384, 91390, 93015, 93040, 93225, 93243, 93532, 93536, and 00018.
- Hurst : 91342, 91344, 91321, 91326, 91381, and 91311.
- Palisades: 90049, 91302, 91301, 90290, 90272, 90265, 90402, 90073, 90077, 90095, 90401, 90403, 90404, 91316, 91356, 91367, 91403, 91436, and 91340.
In addition, applicants must have experienced economic losses due to the fires, such as:
- Additional expenses due to the disaster.
- Loss of work income.
- Damage to housing or business.
- Loss of previously purchased food.
Application process and benefit distribution
Households can apply between February 10 and 14, as well as on February 18 and 19, 2025, by calling 866-488-8482 or visiting a Los Angeles Public Social Services Department (DPSS) office in person. Once approved, the benefits will be provided via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at authorized supermarkets and retailers.
Other food assistance measures As part of emergency actions, California has implemented additional exemptions for current CalFresh beneficiaries in the affected region:
- Until February 8, 2025, CalFresh users will be able to buy hot meals in Los Angeles and surrounding counties due to lack of access to storage or cooking facilities.
- Beneficiaries who have lost food purchased with their benefits can request a replacement until February 5, 2025 by calling 866-613-3777.
In addition, the state has released one million dollars in emergency reserve funds to distribute food boxes and drinking water through the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
For food distribution points, interested parties can consult the official program page or contact state and local authorities.
“No family should have to worry about how they will put food on the table, especially during a crisis. D-CalFresh benefits will help ensure that those in greatest need have access to critical assistance”, said Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California’s first partner.