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SNAP, known as CalFresh in California, provides more than 30,000 low-income children, families, seniors and veterans in Santa Cruz County with monthly food assistance, helping those in need purchase nutritious food. For more, visit Benefitscal.com or call 1-888-421-8080.
The County and our nonprofit partners are here to help. Here are local resources that can provide your family with food assistance.
Residents of Santa Cruz County age 55 and older are eligible to receive a weekly grocery bag filled with fresh produce and healthy staples through the Healthy Food Bags program. Home deliveries available for home-bound seniors who are disabled and aged 50 or older. $50 per year, payment assistance for those with financial hardship. Visit the Grey Bears website to sign up.
Grey Bears also offers an all-ages free weekday lunch program and free grocery distribution regardless of socioeconomic background. Both opportunities located at Grey Bears’ warehouse, 2710 Chanticleer Ave., Live Oak. Free weekday lunch: 11:20 a.m.–12:20 p.m Free grocery bag distribution: 11 a.m. weekdays.
Community Partner Resources
Key CalFresh Facts
For answers to common questions, please refer to the California Department of Social Services website for CalFresh Frequently Asked Questions.
We encourage all CalFresh beneficiaries to please continue fulfilling all required CalFresh reporting, including Semi-Annual Reports (SAR 7) and renewals, as well as submitting any necessary verifications so that benefits remain uninterrupted once federal funding becomes available again.
Tenants facing eviction may access the following resources:
Santa Cruz County celebrates its long and rich history of immigrants who have shaped the local economy and emerged as leaders in agriculture, tourism, the military, education, business, healthcare, and other vital professions. Fostering a welcoming community is essential for a vibrant and inclusive Santa Cruz County that ensures immigrants, refugees, and other newcomers can access economic security, empowerment, civic engagement, safety, and protection from discrimination, oppression, and violence.
We are proud of our collaboration to help deliver basic services of public safety, education, health care and more. On May 18, 2018, Santa Cruz County joined 25 other jurisdictions representing 18 million Californians in defending Senate Bill 54 and attempting to stop the federal government from undermining public safety and civic participation.
What you need to know:
Call the hotline to report immigration enforcement activity and receive referrals to services. Hotline is staffed 24/7. More information: https://santacruzrapidresponse.org/
Find Legal Assistance
Please contact each organization or visit their website for a full description of services provided.
Know Your Rights Resources
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detainee Locator
Find a loved one that is currently in ICE custody or who has been in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s custody for more than 48 hours. Please note that the Detainee Locator System cannot search for records for individuals under the age of 18. Locator.ice.gov
Santa Cruz is a Sanctuary County for transgender, gender queer, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex people.
By declaring the County a sanctuary for these communities, we seek to ensure access to gender-affirming health care, safeguard individuals from out-of-state legal actions related to gender-affirming health care, and reinforce the county's commitment to equality and human rights.
Services Provided
Our County's Health Centers offer gender-affirming care, and our Health and Human Services Agencies partner with providers like the The Diversity Center, who serves both Santa Cruz and Monterey counties to support LGBTQ+ youth and adults with Behavioral Health needs and to prevent exploitation.
LGBTQ+ Know Your Rights (KYR) Pocket Guide
Additional resource information for members of the LGBTQIA2S communities can be found at:
HSA Health Centers support the reproductive health rights of our diverse community by offering comprehensive services, including reproductive health education for teens and adults, STI/HIV testing and treatment, family planning counseling, and access to contraception for individuals of all genders.
Santa Cruz County’s Health Services Agency and Human Services Department are here to ensure individuals and families receive the support they need. An effective way to stay connected with your Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs benefits, or to receive Health Center medical consultations, is over the phone or online, from the comfort of your home or any other remote location.
Post a flyer in your place of business, school or other public area where people who may benefit from this information will see it.
Changes to Medi-Cal eligibility took effect January 1, 2026. Under the new rules, some adults ages 19 and older are no longer eligible to newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal because of their immigration status. However, individuals who were already enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal can generally keep their coverage, regardless of immigration status, as long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements and renew their coverage on time.
Children under 19, pregnant individuals (during pregnancy and for one year afterward), and qualifying current and former foster youth under age 26 can still enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status. Individuals who do not qualify for full-scope coverage may still be eligible for limited benefits, including emergency and pregnancy-related care. For more information, visit the California Department of Health Care Services or contact the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department.
Santa Cruz County Immigration Coalition Resources:
California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Resources:
In the face of unprecedented challenges, including severe threats to funding and policy shifts under the new administration, the County of Santa Cruz stands as a committed partner to our nonprofit community. While facing similar threats, we recognize the critical role that local service providers and community organizations play in supporting our residents and share your mission and commitment to the community. We are committed to advocating on your behalf during these difficult times and doing what we can to sustain vital services and explore alternative funding opportunities.
The following resources include comprehensive guidance to help nonprofits navigate the challenges posed by recent federal actions under the Trump administration. Resources include webinars on financial health and contingency planning, legal compliance in a challenging political environment, scenario planning guides, financial modeling tools, and advocacy materials to engage with elected officials. They also track executive orders and their expected impacts on nonprofits, a checklist for organizations facing federal grant or contract terminations, and information on ongoing litigation.