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<\/p>\nBAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Beginning Monday, June 1, new CalFresh requirements will take effect across California, potentially impacting thousands of residents in Kern County who rely on food assistance programs to make ends meet.<\/p>\n
Under the new rules tied to the federal legislation known as the \u201cBig Beautiful Bill,\u201d able-bodied adults between the ages of 19 and 64 must now work or complete volunteer service for at least 20 hours per week or 80 hours each month in order to maintain eligibility for CalFresh benefits.<\/p>\n
For Bakersfield resident Gabriele Doe, the new mandate adds another layer of stress during an already difficult period in her life.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn top of trying to just survive, now I\u2019ve got to do something else just to qualify for food,\u201d Doe said. \u201cIt\u2019s just like\u2026.(Sigh.)\u201d<\/p>\n
Doe says she has relied on CalFresh assistance for more than a decade while navigating chronic health issues and searching for stable employment. <\/p>\n
She worries the new requirements could make it even harder for people in vulnerable situations to receive help.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s concerning if that\u2019s what\u2019s going to qualify or disqualify people,\u201d Doe said. \u201cAnd on top of that, I\u2019ve been trying to find a job, and everybody knows the job market is\u2026 not great.\u201d<\/p>\n
She says her chronic illness eventually forced her to leave her job entirely.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had to quit my job because of how my chronic illness has impacted my ability to work,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
Community leaders warn Doe\u2019s situation is far from unique.<\/p>\n
Kelly Lowery with Community Action Partnership of Kern says nearly 30,000 Kern County residents could be affected by the expanded work requirements tied to both CalFresh and Medicaid eligibility.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we\u2019re finding is that about a third of the entire caseload of CalFresh recipients are being disenrolled as a result of the new work requirements,\u201d Lowery said.<\/p>\n
Advocates fear the changes could place additional strain on local food assistance programs and nonprofit organizations already operating with limited resources.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, that means more people are going to have to rely on the charitable food system the food bank and all of our community partners and that\u2019s going to put even more pressure on resources that are already stretched thin,\u201d Lowery added.<\/p>\n
Despite growing concerns, local organizations are mobilizing to help residents remain eligible for assistance.<\/p>\n
Community Action Partnership of Kern has partnered with United Way and the Kern County Department of Human Services to create a volunteer collaborative designed to connect residents with qualifying volunteer opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re trying to address that by creating a volunteer collaborative that connects nonprofits and organizations with volunteer opportunities,\u201d said Eric Arias.<\/p>\n
According to organizers, more than 100 local organizations have already joined the initiative, though community leaders say additional support and participation are still needed.<\/p>\n
For residents like Doe, the uncertainty surrounding the new rules remains overwhelming.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody is already struggling with what we have, and then getting cuts on top of that,\u201d she said. \u201cTwenty dollars, fifty dollars what is somebody supposed to do with fifty dollars? Even one hundred?\u201d<\/p>\n
Residents seeking assistance or information about volunteer opportunities that may help maintain CalFresh eligibility are encouraged to contact Community Action Partnership of Kern or visit the resources provided by local agencies.<\/p>\n
You can scan this QR code if you want to join or sign up to volunteer.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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