The Program Access Index (PAI) measures CalFresh utilization among low-income individuals who meet select CalFresh eligibility criteria. The PAI is one indicator of how well
counties reach low-income individuals with CalFresh.
Because CalFresh policies and practice vary among California counties, county-level measures that assess utilization and administrative performance are critical. The PAI is one such indicator. Advocates and administrators should look to establish the use of additional indicators assessing CalFresh.
The Impact of CalFresh Utilization on State and Local Economies
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, California ranks third to last among all states for participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP -- known as "CalFresh" in California). The low rate of participation harms state and local economies as well as low-income Californians.
The Lost Dollars, Empty Plates analysis examines the impact that increased CalFresh participation would have on state, local, and household budgets. The report also describes recent efforts to improve CalFresh participation and identifies priority actions to further this work.
