CalFresh

CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, provides monthly food benefits to individuals and families with low-income and provides economic benefits to communities. CalFresh is the largest food program in California and provides an essential hunger safety net. CalFresh is federally mandated and in California, is state-supervised and county-operated.

CalFresh benefits can help buy nutritious foods for a better diet. CalFresh benefits stretch food budgets, allowing individuals and families to afford nutritious food, including more fruit, vegetables and other healthy foods. The amount of benefits a household receives is dependent on household size countable income, and monthly expenses, such as housing and utilities. The program issues monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Food may be purchased at any grocery store or farmers market that accepts EBT cards.

CalFresh Emergency Allotments Are Ending

CalFresh Emergency Allotments, which are temporary increases to regular CalFresh food benefits introduced during the start of the pandemic, will be ending soon due to recent action by the federal government. A final allotment of these federally funded benefits will be issued in March 2023. Households will receive their regular CalFresh benefit allotment amount beginning April 2023 as long as they remain eligible. Read more about the end of Emergency Allotments.