San Diego County officials are using CalFresh Awareness Month to expand outreach to residents who may qualify for food assistance, according to East County Magazine.

CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, currently serves more than 373,000 San Diegans. The program provides monthly supplemental benefits to help low-income individuals and families buy nutritious food and stretch household budgets.

“Every household deserves access to healthy food,” Alberto Banuelos, interim director of county self-sufficiency services, told East County Magazine. “CalFresh Awareness Month is about connecting residents with resources that help them meet daily needs and make a real difference.”

Benefits are accepted at most grocery stores, select online retailers and many farmers markets. Eligibility and benefit amounts are based on household size, income and certain living expenses, and county officials are encouraging residents to review recent program changes, including updated work requirements.

For Santee and East County families dealing with higher grocery costs, the county’s outreach campaign is a reminder to check eligibility before assuming help is out of reach. Residents can apply online through BenefitsCal.com, call 2-1-1, or visit the county’s CalFresh website for program information and a calendar of May outreach events.