Samantha's Story

Meet Samantha Hua. Samantha received CalFresh/SNAP after coming to the United States with her family as refugees. CalFresh/SNAP supplemented her family's limited income and helped her access the nutrition she needed to grow, develop, and learn. CalFresh/SNAP set Samantha on the path to success. She went on to start her own business, Happy Food, where she works today as CEO and Holistic Health Coach. 

SAMANTHA HUA

At what point in your life did you receive CalFresh/SNAP (food stamps) and why? 

I was on it as a child. I lived with my guardians and we were refugees with nothing so any support was welcomed.

How long were you on CalFresh?

Since my grandparents were retired and my parents weren’t around. I believe I was on it my entire childhood. 

How did CalFresh/SNAP help you in your time of need?

I was a child so it was essential to get some good nutrients. My grandparents didn’t work, but my extended family worked extremely hard to survive and save in hopes of creating opportunities for the next generation after giving up everything to leave a war-torn country.

How did receiving food assistance make you feel?

I think everyone has pride and would rather not be on public support, but we were grateful that there was such a program to help us survive and get through tough times. 

How did you make ends meet without CalFresh?

It definitely helped.  My extended family was already working as much as they could to make ends meet. I come from a family of extremely hard workers (maybe too hard). The extra support made it more tolerable.

What are you most proud of in your life? Or what are your dreams for the future?

I’m proud of being the first in my family to go to college and serving a 2-year term in the Peace Corps in Niger, West Africa. I went on to promote wildlife conservation nationally and internationally through my biology degree. Afterwards, I started my own business, Happy Food. 

What do you want people to know about food assistance programs like CalFresh?

Kids cannot thrive without food. There’s no argument there. Sometimes, life throws curve balls and when we support our fellow brothers and sisters, we thrive as a society. I am very proud of my contributions to this country and planet. Giving back and contributing is the core of who I am. 

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Do you know someone who needs access to CalFresh? 

Click here to find easy ways to apply! 

Sherry's Story

Meet Sherry Guia. Sherry relied on CalFresh when she was pregnant and pursuing a degree at San Diego State University. Her support system was lacking, her employer was demanding, and her work schedule was not compatible with her school schedule. CalFresh allowed her to focus on her education, pregnancy, and work, without having the stress of being able to afford a healthy diet. In May, Sherry completed her Bachelor’s degree in public health. Today, she is working as a Wellness Specialist at the University of California, San Diego-Center for Community Health.

SHERRY GUIA

At what point in your life did you receive CalFresh/SNAP (food stamps) and why?

I decided to apply for CalFresh in September of 2014, when I found out that I pregnant. I was in my fourth year at San Diego State University and my support system was severely lacking. I had recently resigned from a job because it was costing me more to travel back and forth to it than what I was getting paid, and my employer wanted me to attend school when it was convenient for his schedule.

How long were you/have you been on CalFresh?

I was on CalFresh for a total of two and a half years.

How did CalFresh/SNAP help you in your time of need?

This time of my life was difficult. I took a semester off from school and had to find new employment. This did not affect my CalFresh benefits because my income was not substantial and barely covered my rent, and other bills. I did return to school the next semester to finish off the academic year. CalFresh allowed me to focus on my education, pregnancy, and work, without having the stress of being able to afford a healthy diet. 

How did receiving food assistance make you feel?

I felt relieved. I was under a lot of pressure being pregnant, a full-time student, and working 30+ hours a week. Knowing that on CalFresh I could eat healthy food for myself and the growing life inside of me gave me peace of mind and allowed me to better focus on my studies.

How would you make ends meet without CalFresh?

If it weren’t for CalFresh, I would have had to take out multiple loans. I might have stopped going to school and picked up a full-time job to try and make ends meet for myself and my son.

Did you use any food assistance programs in addition to CalFresh (i.e. pantries, meal delivery services, etc.)?

I did receive WIC for myself when I was pregnant and up until my son was one year old.

What are you most proud of in your life? Or what are your dreams for the future?

I am proud of the life that I have been able to create for myself. I am grateful that I have graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and that I am currently working in a field where I help members of my community to better their lives. I want to show my son you can achieve what you want in life, even if you need help along the way.

What do you want people to know about food assistance programs like CalFresh?

I want people to know that they have the power to improve their lives by eliminating barriers and sacrifices. They can take back control of their lives through CalFresh. They should not have to decide between being able to pay the bills or having enough money to purchase groceries. A person never knows what curve balls life can throw at them or someone they may know. They may need CalFresh one day and it is vital that they know they can have access to such a resource. CalFresh has helped me and my son and is helping better the lives of many.

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Do you know someone who needs access to CalFresh? 

Click here to find easy ways to apply! 

Alyssa's Story

Meet Alyssa Earley.  Alyssa supported herself with CalFresh during a busy year in college when she was stretched thin between being a full-time student, doing an unpaid internship and working part-time. Today, Alyssa is independent and thriving as the Senior Development Associate for a private wealth management company. 

ALYSSA EARLEY

At what point in your life did you receive CalFresh/SNAP (food stamps) and why? 

I received CalFresh for about a year in college, around 2012/2013. While a full-time
student at Mesa College (where my family’s income qualified me for a tuition waiver and I
received federal student aid for living expenses), I also worked at a catering company on
weekends and an unpaid internship during the week. I applied for CalFresh after I noticed
my incredible focus on frugality with food and how I might stretch meals throughout the
week by cutting portions in half or waiting longer until I ate. This affected my ability to
pay attention in class and while studying. As someone who was working directly with
CalFresh recipients and communicating guidelines, I realized that I probably qualified and
could greatly benefit from the program myself. Additionally, I was a big fan of the Fresh
Fund, which allowed CalFresh recipients to go to a participating farmer’s market, swipe
their EBT card for up to $20, and receive double their money’s worth of tokens to spend
buying fruits and vegetables in the market.

How long were you/have you been on CalFresh?

About a year.

How did CalFresh/SNAP help you in your time of need?

I felt relieved when I had CalFresh, knowing I didn’t have to spend precious time
contemplating a meal purchase or choosing a cheaper, unhealthier option that I didn’t
really want. I was able to maintain a healthy diet that contributed to my overall wellbeing
and success as a student.

How did receiving food assistance make you feel?

I was relieved but also felt a bit embarrassed. I was always on guard when checking out at
the grocery store and felt like the cashier might be scrutinizing my purchases or someone
in line would notice my EBT card wasn’t a regular debit card. I was very sensitive towards
any negative comments or stereotypes regarding people on food assistance as well.

How would you make ends meet without CalFresh?

Cutting meals in half and saving for later or waiting longer between meals. Eating
something like an oatmeal packet for lunch rather than a full meal.

Have you (or did you) use any food assistance programs in addition to CalFresh (i.e. pantries,
meal delivery services, etc.)?

I did not, but I was incredibly resourceful in finding events on campus that offered free food :)

What are you most proud of in your life? Or what are your dreams for the future?

I hope to get to a place in my life where I can make sustained financial contributions to
the programs making a meaningful impact in people’s lives and furthering comprehensive
human rights. I feel so gratefully indebted to those that have paved the way for me to
pursue my passions and live a healthful life. I want to help others “stand on the shoulders
of giants” and move upward.

What do you want people to know about food assistance programs like CalFresh?

I’d like people to know that CalFresh/SNAP is an investment, $1 spent in SNAP
generates $1.79 in economic activity. And that you have no idea the type of perspective
that hunger creates in a person until you’ve experienced it yourself. All legislators and
citizens should spend a week trying to eat on the average CalFresh allotment per person (that's $4.18/day in San Diego County in 2017) and see the incredible impact
that even short-term hunger has on one’s ability to focus, retain information, and your
health. Hunger can be all consuming in a person’s life and yet it is entirely preventable. I
hope more people reflect on their attitude towards hunger and programs like CalFresh,
realizing the positive ripple effect this safety net has on their community, economy, and
society as a whole.

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Do you know someone who needs access to CalFresh? 

Click here to find easy ways to apply! 

Bret's Story

Meet Bret Fisher. Bret has worked in horticulture most of his life, but is now disabled and relying on CalFresh to help put food on his table while he is unable to work. Once he is able to have surgery to relieve spinal pain, he plans to return to part-time work and practice the more creative aspects of horticulture. 

Bret Fisher

At what point in your life did you receive CalFresh/SNAP (food stamps) and why? Or if you are currently enrolled in CalFresh, why did you apply for the program?

When I was a kid, there were a couple of periods in which my father was between jobs and we needed the help of food stamps, and I also had a period during my twenties when my wife and I sought the help. But my recent application for CalFresh help is the first in quite a long time. I actually didn’t realize I was eligible for any help with it, but a couple of agencies I was speaking to about other issues brought up the possibility and suggested I look into it.  I’m on a very limited income and I struggle to eat well, and so I decided to apply.

How long were you/have you been on CalFresh?

My account with CalFresh just began- it was activated just a couple of days ago and I was able to buy some food with the EBT card. The San Diego Hunger Coalition was incredibly helpful to me! They did some advocacy work for me and kept in touch with me as I went along. I’m very grateful for the dedication they showed me in the application process.

How is CalFresh/SNAP helping you in your time of need?

In my own case, I don’t qualify for a high value in CalFresh benefits, but even the small amount of help I’m getting is very beneficial to me because I’m much more able to create a good diet. I do my own cooking and use a lot of raw food, since it’s both frugal and healthy. The benefits help very much, both in getting through financially and in giving me good options with my diet.

How did receiving food assistance make you feel?

Well, I’m sure I’m not alone in the idea that I’d much rather not have to seek aid. Not long ago I was working part-time and was happy to be much more self-sufficient. But having help like this is something I’m very grateful for, along with many other things in my life, in spite of my disability. I try to be charitable myself, and I believe in reciprocity and being generous to people, especially people who are having trouble getting by. I try very hard to give back.

How would you make ends meet without CalFresh?

In my case, CalFresh means I can eat a healthier diet. There have been many periods in which I was able to eat through the month by being very frugal, but my choices weren’t so healthy. CalFresh help means I have better quality in my diet, and I’m sure it will mean I’m going to enjoy better health.

Have you (or did you) use any food assistance programs in addition to CalFresh (i.e. pantries, meal delivery services, etc.)?

I have done that, yes.

What are you most proud of in your life? Or what are your dreams for the future?

I have need of surgery to relieve pain in my spine, and once I can arrange for that I hope to return to part time employment in horticulture, which is my occupation and my passion professionally. I’m at an age now where I’m due to transition away from manual labor toward more creative kinds of work in horticulture, such as designing or publishing. I have high hopes.

I know I’m not alone in facing certain painful challenges as life has gone along, and these things will test someone’s persistence and patience. I’m trying to bring the best of myself to these issues, and often I feel grateful that I’m able to grow through the difficulties and become a person I can admire. Poverty is tough. I try to face it squarely and keep a positive and grateful attitude. In the end, I believe that these difficulties have made me a more resilient and grounded person, and most importantly, I have empathy for others and love to live a life of helpfulness.

What do you want people to know about food assistance programs like CalFresh?

If you need the help of CalFresh, whether temporarily or over a long term, don’t feel badly about it. It exists for just such situations as you’re in, and it’s no shame to accept help. The agencies that administer CalFresh can be frustrating because of caseloads and such stuff, but be patient- it will work out. The San Diego Hunger Coalition is a fantastic example of an effective advocacy! They really do help you to negotiate in the situation and get access to the things you’re qualified for. And they’re terrific people, too! Very pleasant and professional.

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Do you know someone who needs access to CalFresh? 

Click here to find easy ways to apply! 

Tekara's Story

Meet Tekara Gainey. Tekara works in community engagement and public affairs for a San Diego nonprofit organization. Tekara shares her experience as a CalFresh/SNAP recipient and how it supported her journey to become the successful, independent woman she is today.

Tekara Gainey

At what point in your life did you receive CalFresh/SNAP (food stamps) and why?

I’ve received SNAP at various junctures throughout my life. My earliest memory of SNAP is as a young kid growing up in a single-family household. I later relied on SNAP when I was putting myself through college, both in pursuit of my Bachelors as well as my Masters degrees.

How long were you on CalFresh/SNAP?

In total, I was on CalFresh/SNAP for 7 years.

How did CalFresh/SNAP help you in your time of need?

My mother was working full time and we relied on SNAP to help put food on our table. This was back when SNAP was issued as vouchers. I remember going to the corner store and using our vouchers to purchase basic food items like milk, eggs, and bread. As a student, SNAP helped to alleviate some of the burden associated with working, attending school and paying bills.

How did receiving food assistance make you feel?

Relieved. I was already under an immense amount of stress working and going to school full time, barely able to afford rent, transportation, books, phone bill…the list goes on. Knowing that my capability of putting good, healthy food on the table was not compromised offered a lot of relief. I didn’t have to choose between eating lunch or eating dinner. I could do both. It was one less thing, on a list of many things, I had to worry about.

What are some common misconceptions you have heard people use about CalFresh/SNAP?

I've heard many people claim CalFresh/SNAP is only available to families (adults with young children), persons who are unemployed or homeless individuals. I’ve also heard people say CalFresh/SNAP couldn’t or shouldn’t be used at well-known grocery stores such as Trader Joes or Whole Foods. When speaking about people receiving CalFresh/SNAP, I’ve heard people claim recipients are abusing the system, lack the drive and will to get off SNAP, and are underserving of nice things (i.e., bags, shoes, clothes, etc.). An acquaintance once told me she was surprised to learn I was receiving SNAP benefits because I seemed so “put together”. I guess I wasn’t supposed to comb my hair that day!

What are you most proud of in your life? Or what are your dreams for the future?

I am proud of the life I’ve created for myself. I live in a beautiful city, have a wonderful, supportive, and strong groups of friends and family, and I am doing work that I am passionate about and that is making an impact.  

What do you want people to know about food assistance programs like CalFresh/SNAP?

Food assistance programs like CalFresh/SNAP give people control over their lives and choices. During my time of need, prior to receiving food assistance, my choices were often made for me, based on my circumstances. Deciding whether I should spend $50 to purchase a work uniform or put aside money for lunch for the week was a no-brainer. If I wanted a job, I needed the uniform. Going 8-10 hours without eating because I couldn’t afford breakfast AND lunch was not my choice, but rather my circumstance. CalFresh/SNAP made me the ultimate decision maker again, just as it does with others.

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Do you know someone who needs access to CalFresh? 

Click here to find easy ways to apply!