Volunteer Resources for CalFresh Work Requirements

October 8, 2026

San Diego County is informing over 46,000 CalFresh recipients about new federal work requirements that took effect June 1, 2026, mandating 80 hours monthly of approved activities to maintain benefits. Recipients aged 18-64 without children under 14 in their households must participate in qualifying activities including employment, training, education, or volunteer work. The county has established partnerships with 211 San Diego through the WorkReady Hub to connect people with volunteer opportunities and other ways to fulfill these requirements.

Who is affected

More than 46,000 CalFresh customers in San Diego County
CalFresh recipients between ages 18 and 64
CalFresh recipients who do not have a child under age 14 living in their home
CalFresh recipients who do not qualify for an exemption from work requirements

What action is being taken

The County is offering volunteer opportunities to help recipients meet work requirements
The County is partnering with 211 San Diego through the WorkReady Hub to connect people with opportunities
CalFresh customers are submitting volunteer hour verification forms (in English or Spanish) or signed letters from organizations to the County
Recipients are combining volunteer hours with other approved activities such as training or jobs

Why it matters

This matters because food assistance is at stake for tens of thousands of people in San Diego County. The new federal work requirements create an additional burden for CalFresh recipients to maintain their benefits, requiring them to complete 80 hours monthly of approved activities or risk losing access to essential food support. The County's efforts to provide volunteer opportunities and streamline the verification process help vulnerable populations navigate these requirements and maintain their nutritional assistance.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint