How CalFresh Can Support Your Journey to Healthy Living
Healthy living involves a balanced diet and regular exercise, but what if you cannot afford to buy healthy food? That’s where CalFresh comes in. CalFresh, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides support to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food. In this blog post, we will dive into the ways CalFresh can support your journey to healthy living.
What is CalFresh?
CalFresh is a nutrition assistance program funded by the federal government and administered by the state of California. The program provides a monthly benefit to individuals and families who qualify, which can be used to purchase groceries at participating retailers, including farmer’s markets. CalFresh benefits can also be used to purchase plants and seeds for growing fruits and vegetables at home.
The Benefits of CalFresh for Healthy Living
Access to Nutritious Food: A balanced diet is the foundation of healthy living, but it can be challenging to afford fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole grains on a tight budget. CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and lean proteins. By having access to nutritious food, individuals and families can improve their overall health, manage chronic conditions, and reduce their risk of developing diet-related diseases.
Increased Food Security: Food insecurity, or the lack of access to adequate food, affects millions of people in the United States. CalFresh can help alleviate food insecurity by providing a source of reliable, consistent food for low-income individuals and families. Having access to enough food helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can lead to better overall health outcomes.
Improved Mental Health: Eating a healthy diet can also have a positive impact on mental health. Studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can improve mood and cognitive function. By using CalFresh benefits to purchase healthy foods, individuals can potentially improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Promotes Healthy Eating Habits: Lastly, CalFresh can help individuals and families develop healthy eating habits. It encourages them to seek out healthy foods and explore new recipes and flavors. Also, many farmer’s markets offer cooking demonstrations and nutrition education programs, providing additional resources for individuals to learn more about healthy eating and cooking.
How to Apply for CalFresh
To apply for CalFresh, individuals can visit their local county welfare office or apply online through the California Department of Social Services website. When applying, applicants will need to provide proof of income, residency, and identification.
In conclusion, CalFresh is an important program that can support individuals and families on their journey to healthy living. By providing access to nutritious food, improving food security, promoting healthy eating habits, and potentially improving mental health, CalFresh can help individuals achieve their health goals and improve their quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling to afford healthy food, consider applying for CalFresh and taking advantage of this important resource.
