A little more than 70% of those who qualify for food benefits are actually receiving them. That participation rate has frustrated advocates because it leaves valuable federal funds on the table that could feed more Californians and boost the state’s economy.

The reasons are complex and varied: Geographic and ethnic diversity makes some poor Californians difficult to reach. Many immigrants fear signing up could hurt their citizenship chances. It can be hard to apply for seniors or those who don’t speak English. And college students face a byzantine set of special eligibility rules. 

Another major challenge is that California’s 58 counties administer food benefits, rather than the state government, creating a variety of application processes statewide. California is one of only 10 states that use a county-based system to distribute the aid. 

That means some counties enroll far more eligible families than others. 

In 2020, the latest year for which the state has data, Los Angeles County had nearly 80% of its eligible population receiving the benefits. That includes Supplemental Security Income recipients who became eligible the year before. 

Contra Costa County, meanwhile, had enrolled about 64%. That year five other counties, including relatively affluent San Mateo and San Luis Obispo, had fewer than half their eligible residents receiving benefits.