San Jose COVID Food Relief Program - FAQ

For New Participants

How can I apply for the San Jose COVID Relief Program or refer eligible participants?

You can enroll in the San Jose COVID Food Relief Program in 2 ways:

• Complete the intake form here
• By calling San Jose COVID Food Relief hotline (408) 351-8238 and selecting option 1.  

Am I eligible for San Jose COVID Food Relief if I participate in other state or federal-funded nutrition programs, such as CalFresh? 

Unfortunately, if you are already participating in another program, you are not eligible to participate in the San Jose COVID Food Relief Program. 

I really like this program, can I suspend my participation in another program, such as CalFresh to join this one?
No, do not suspend your participation in the other programs. This is a temporary program ending on December 30, 2020. Other long-term programs such as CalFresh, have long waitlists.

How do I qualify for the San Jose COVID Food Relief Program?

In order to participate in this program you must either:

• Meet the CDC definition of individuals at high risk for severe illness from COVID. See here for guidelines.
• Suffered from employment of business interruptions due to COVID-19-related business closures
• And you do not currently have assistance purchasing food or cooking meals on a consistent basis.

How long does the San Jose COVID Food Relief Program run for?

The program starts on October 21st and ends on December 30th.

I lost my job, and I have dependents, do my dependents qualify for this program as well?

Your dependents will qualify for the program as well. You will have to enroll your dependents separately. 

I have infants and toddlers, are you able to provide formula or other toddler-friendly grocery boxes?

Unfortunately, we are unable to customize grocery packages based on age. All grocery packages will come with fresh produce, whole grains, and protein. 

After applying for the San Jose COVID Food Relief Program how long will it take for me to get my first grocery package?

Once you submit the intake form on our website, you will receive a response within 2 - 3 business days confirming your eligibility.

If you enroll for the program on the phone, we will ask you a set of questions to confirm eligibility at that moment.

What if I am unable to prepare or cook my own meals?

We have an option to provide prepared meals for those who are unable to prepare or cook their own meals, although participation in that program is limited.

For Current Participants

After enrollment, when should I expect my groceries?

You should expect your first delivery 5 business days from the date you enrolled. 

How often will my groceries be delivered?

You will receive a delivery once per week. Either Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.

What will come in my grocery box?
At a minimum, you will receive fresh produce from a locally sourced farm, whole grains and protein.

When will my groceries be delivered?

Delivery hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00AM - 4:00PM. Unfortunately, we are unable to give you an exact time your groceries will be delivered.

How much is it to participate in this program?

There’s no fee to the participant for this program.

Who will be delivering my groceries?

The San Jose COVID Food Relief program partners with different couriers to provide deliveries. All couriers will be background checked and will conduct contactless deliveries. Couriers will deliver the meals to the location as outlined in the delivery instructions. You will receive a text or call from the courier to let you know the groceries are in the delivery location.

What happens if I miss my delivery?

We will attempt to redeliver the grocery package on the same day, if you are unavailable we may attempt to redeliver the following day.

What happens if my groceries are not delivered?
We conduct deliveries until 4:00PM on Tuesdays, Thursday and Friday. If it’s after 4:00PM please contact the San Jose COVID Food Relief hotline at (408) 351-8238 and select option 3. We will attempt to locate your grocery package. 

How do I update my delivery address, delivery instructions, or remove myself from the program?

Please call the San Jose COVID Food Relief Program hotline (408) 351-8238 and select option 2. A representative will be available Monday - Friday from 9:00 - 3:00 PM to update your information.

What if there is a problem with the groceries I received? 

Please call the San Jose COVID Food Relief Program hotline (408) 351-8238 and select option 2. A representative will be available Monday - Friday from 9:00 - 3:00 PM to help you.
 

What happens if I am unable to prepare and cook my own food? 

Please call the San Jose COVID Food Relief Program hotline (408) 351-8238 and select option 2. A representative will be available Monday - Friday from 9:00 - 3:00 PM to update your delivery package from groceries to prepared meals. 

I am going out of town for a week, can I pause my deliveries?

Please call the San Jose COVID Food Relief Program hotline (408) 351-8238 and select option 2. A representative will be available Monday - Friday from 9:00 - 3:00 PM to help you with your concern.