In Shasta County, California, residents affected by recent winter storms now have an extended window to apply for the replacement of lost food benefits. The Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) announced on Valentine's Day that individuals who rely on CalFresh can seek reimbursement for food lost due to power outages, flooding, or other disasters until early March. This extension aims to assist those impacted by severe weather conditions that began in early February.

The HHSA has secured permission to relax the usual 10-day application deadline for benefit replacements. Households experiencing food loss as a result of these events will have until March 6th to submit their requests. This initiative covers all county residents and is not limited to storm-related incidents but extends to any disaster causing food loss. The agency emphasized that this measure is designed to support community members facing challenging circumstances.

To facilitate access to these services, multiple options are available for applicants. Individuals can choose to visit one of several regional offices during business hours from Monday through Friday. Alternatively, they can contact HHSA’s customer service center via telephone or submit their request online. The agency operates various locations across the county to ensure widespread accessibility, including offices in Anderson, South Redding, Burney, East Redding, and Downtown Redding.

By offering this extended period and multiple channels for assistance, the HHSA aims to provide comprehensive support to those in need. The move underscores the agency's commitment to helping residents recover from the adverse effects of natural disasters. This flexible approach ensures that more people can receive the necessary aid, reflecting the community's resilience in the face of adversity.