Sacramento Regional Transit is offering free rides to CalFresh recipients under a temporary program aimed at easing transportation costs for residents affected by potential delays in federal food assistance.More than 270,000 people in Sacramento County rely on CalFresh, California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that benefits would only be partially funded, raising concerns about access to food for many families.Kevin Freace, a senior who receives SNAP benefits, said the free rides come at a crucial time.“I’m a senior on SNAP, and I had to go to a food shelter for the first time in a long time,” he said. “You put your best foot forward to stretch your dollars as much as you can.”SacRT officials said the program is designed to help recipients reach food distribution centers across Sacramento more easily. Addressing concerns about possible revenue loss, Sacramento City Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum said the priority is ensuring people can access food during the holidays.“We’re trying to make sure families are getting fed, especially as we head into the holidays,” Pluckebaum said. “This is going to be a really tough time for people financially.”His office worked with SacRT to coordinate the fare-free initiative.The program runs through Sunday, Nov. 16. Riders can board for free by presenting a printed flyer along with their EBT card to a bus driver or fare inspector when traveling to participating food distribution centers.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Sacramento Regional Transit is offering free rides to CalFresh recipients under a temporary program aimed at easing transportation costs for residents affected by potential delays in federal food assistance.
More than 270,000 people in Sacramento County rely on CalFresh, California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that benefits would only be partially funded, raising concerns about access to food for many families.
Kevin Freace, a senior who receives SNAP benefits, said the free rides come at a crucial time.
“I’m a senior on SNAP, and I had to go to a food shelter for the first time in a long time,” he said. “You put your best foot forward to stretch your dollars as much as you can.”
SacRT officials said the program is designed to help recipients reach food distribution centers across Sacramento more easily.
Addressing concerns about possible revenue loss, Sacramento City Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum said the priority is ensuring people can access food during the holidays.
“We’re trying to make sure families are getting fed, especially as we head into the holidays,” Pluckebaum said. “This is going to be a really tough time for people financially.”
His office worked with SacRT to coordinate the fare-free initiative.
The program runs through Sunday, Nov. 16. Riders can board for free by presenting a printed flyer along with their EBT card to a bus driver or fare inspector when traveling to participating food distribution centers.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel