Right Column
Emergency Food Assistance Program
President Ronald Reagan in 1981 authorized the distribution of surplus dairy products accumulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the price support system, to be distributed to needy households and low income individuals. Then, in 1983, the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) was established.
The California Department of Social Services became responsible for overseeing the Program. In the 1990’s, the program was no longer ‘temporary’ in nature and thus evolved into EFAP.
The mission of the California Department of Social Services, Emergency Food Assistance Program, is to administer the USDA donated commodity distribution program throughout California to those in need.