CalFresh / EBT food benefits
CalFresh
Assistance for Individuals and Families to buy healthy food
CalFresh also known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly assistance for low- or no-income individuals and families to buy food.
CalFresh is issued monthly on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, similar to an ATM card, to purchase food at online retailers, grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers markets and any store that accepts EBT.
A New Summer Food Program Coming in 2024!
Starting this summer, you can buy more food for your child with California SUN Bucks, also called Summer-EBT. SUN Bucks work just like CalFresh, but for the summer.
Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through a school meal application or an Alternative Income Form, or get CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal, are automatically enrolled.
You don't need to do anything to sign up. SUN Bucks provides $40 per month for food for June, July and August 2024 ($120 total). SUN Bucks will not impact eligibility for CalFresh, and receiving SUN Bucks does not affect immigration status.
The county does not administer this program and has no information on children’s eligibility or card status. For more information, visit: https://cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks
To learn more:
Apply for CalFresh
Apply for CalFresh EBT online, by phone, fax, mail or in-person.
Preparing for your interview
After you apply, you must complete an interview. See what information or documents you may need to provide during and after your interview.
Using your CalFresh EBT Benefits
Purchase food at online retailers, grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers markets and any store that accepts EBT.
Keeping your Benefits
Keep & maintain your CalFresh benefits in 3 easy steps!
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about your CalFresh benefits.
Get food now from food pantries
Many local agencies offer help finding food and hot meals now.