Our bilingual CalFresh team helps thousands of our neighbors apply for and navigate their benefits each year. CalFresh (also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, in other states) is a federally-funded program that helps low-income people put food on their tables.
Jeanette Orta is the Food Bank’s Lead CalFresh Outreach Program Coordinator. She helps neighbors in need access this important resource, which frees up some of the money in recipients’ food budgets to pay for other necessities such as rent, utilities, medication and everyday expenses.
How long have you worked for the food bank?
I joined in July 2022.
Describe what you do at the food bank?
I have been called the ‘Food Stamp lady.’ As part of the CalFresh Outreach team, I inform folks about the CalFresh program (aka SNAP, aka Food Stamps). I help households apply for and maintain CalFresh benefits.
The team and I partner with local businesses and organizations to help connect folks experiencing food insecurity to essential food resources like CalFresh, food pantries and soup kitchens. Folks with questions or who want to apply can call us at 925-603-3316 or visit our website.
Why did you join the Food Bank?
I started volunteering for the Food Bank in 2019 and loved every second of it. Now, I get to put food on my table by helping households put food on theirs. Working for the Food Bank allows me to fulfill my passion for social justice – and as someone who grew up experiencing food insecurity, it’s a privilege to be of service here.
What is your favorite Hunger Fighter memory?
I did an interview for Univision in Spanish to highlight CalFresh Awareness Month (held every year in May) and my mom sent it to ALL of our family back in the motherland. I thought that was cute. I got to help break down the language barrier, debunk myths and inform community members about resources available to them…and make my ama proud.
What is your favorite fruit or vegetable?
Strawberries.
What’s your favorite home-cooked meal?
My partner’s BBQ ribs, grilled asparagus, mac ‘n cheese, and cornbread with honey butter.
What is your favorite memory about food?
Chismeando while making tamales with my family.
What is a fun fact/ talent about you that people may not know about you?
My family says I’m handy around the house, but really, I’m just cheap and look up YouTube videos.
If you had a superpower, what would it be and how would you use it to feed people?
Mind control to create the world where no one experiences hunger. We live in a time of food surplus, and no one should be going hungry.
If you or someone you know has questions about CalFresh or needs support applying, learn more on our CalFresh page.
