We are working hard to establish food security in Marin

Food Security

Feeding Individuals & Families

Hunger and poor access to healthy food are realities for people of low income in Marin, despite the county’s general affluence. Over the past year, food insecurity among the individuals and families we serve intensified and grew with 1 in 5 families (and 1 in 3 seniors) in Marin struggling to put food on table.

Community Action Marin is working hard to address and eliminate food insecurity. We are growing food and partnering across the county to strengthen healthy food access and justice for all.

Services

Emergency Food Boxes

Implemented in partnership with the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, this program provides a three-day supply of non-perishable food for individuals and families. The program, the largest in the county, is for people who are facing an unforeseen emergency if they cannot access other food resources.

CalFresh Assistance

Federally known as the Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program, CalFresh supports the food needs of low-income households by providing a free food debit card. Individuals in the program receive a monthly food subsidy on their card and can use it to purchase groceries from participating grocery stores and farmer’s markets. They can also purchase seeds and plants that produce food. Our Success Coaches and Client Intake Specialists screen individuals to determine if they are eligible for the program and provide assistance with onsite application, document submission, and renewal. Families should be aware that it can take up to 30 days after you turn in your application to receive benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you apply for services online or by phone, our Intake Specialist will ask you some questions to help determine whether you’re likely to be eligible. If you are eligible, we’ll help you fill out the application.

Applying for CalFresh does not require a credit or background check.

It can take up to 30 days after you turn in your application to receive benefits. After you submit your application, the county will interview you either by phone or in person. Some households may be eligible for expedited/emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is available in seven calendar days.

If you are in need of food in the meantime, tell our Intake Specialist and we may be able to provide a you an Emergency Food Box.

The amount of CalFresh you get depends on many things, including your household’s size, income, and costs. The average CalFresh household gets over $300 each month.

Reach out to Heather Bettini, Director, Economic Justice by emailing her at hbettini@camarin.org or calling 415.526.7531.

Addressing Food Insecurity

See some of the other things that Community Action Marin does to make healthy, good food accessible to everyone in our Marin community.

See How We Make Food Accessible