Emergency Food Programs Section (EFPS)

The Emergency Food Programs Section (EFPS) administers several food distribution programs throughout the State of California.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

TEFAP provides United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) commodities to a network of 49 food banks for distribution to eligible individuals and households within 58 counties. In order to be eligible for USDA commodities, a recipient or household must self-certify residency within the geographical area being served and meet established income guidelines at or below 235% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Click on the link TEFAP Providers to find the food bank in your county.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

CSFP is a USDA program administered by CDSS through partnerships with local agencies throughout California. The program is designed to improve the health of income-eligible older adults by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA approved foods. For additional eligibility information select the Fact Sheets link below, and to view a list of the participating local agencies, select the link for CSFP Providers.

State Food Programs Unit

The State Food Programs Unit strives to serve vulnerable children, adults, families and communities in need. State Food Programs Unit administers the following programs:

• CalFood
• Diaper and Wipes Allocation
• Emergency Food for Families Fund (Tax Check-Off)
• One Time Legislative Grants/Gifts
• Emergency Food Bank Reserve (EFBR)

Please visit the State Food Programs Unit & Information Page for more information on these programs.

California Food Bank Capacity Program

The California Food Bank Capacity Program has been established for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 within the CDSS to provide grants for emergency food provider capacity development to Providers and Eligible Entities. The grants shall support one-time capacity enhancements that support the collection, storage, and distribution systems required to adequately serve the food insecurity needs of California, as well as enhancements to ensure the resilience of the emergency food delivery system during climate crises and disasters. The department shall allow investments for the use of grant funds awarded under this provision, including, but not limited to, improvements in the following areas:

1. Transportation
2. Cold storage
3. Warehouse equipment and supplies
4. Technology
5. External facility expansion
6. Generation and storage of backup power
7. Electric vehicles
8. Charging stations
9. Panel, wiring, and other necessary utility upgrades
10. Other systems required to adequately serve the food insecurity needs of California

Tribal Nutrition Assistance Program (TNAP)

 In 2022, recognizing the urgent need to address food insecurity and promote equity among California tribes and tribal organizations, the Tribal Nutrition Assistance Program (TNAP) was created via Senate Bill 187 (Section 87, Chapter 10.2), and codified within Ca. Welf. and Inst. Code § 18936. The primary objective is to collaborate with Tribes in California, working in government-to-government consultation, to address food insecurity and inequities prevalent within indigenous communities. The program represents a commitment to promoting equitable and sustainable food sovereignty among tribal communities by supplementing access to primary nutritional needs and historical foods that once nourished indigenous people. The program receives an annual appropriation of $5 million from state general funds, and participating Tribes must be federally recognized.