CalFresh Outreach
Program
Need help buying food? CalFresh can help when times are tough!
The region’s high cost of living makes it difficult for individuals and families to make ends meet. Income eligible individuals and families can get help buying healthy food through California’s CalFresh Program, formerly known as Food Stamps. CalFresh can help stretch food budgets and ensure that families are able to access healthier, culturally appropriate foods. Households that qualify for the program receive, on average, $200 per month for food benefits in California.
Calfresh is the new name for Food Stamps
CalFresh is the new name for Food Stamps in California. The name has changed to reflect the program’s role supporting good health and nutrition. The change is also intended to encourage eligible individuals and families to see CalFresh as a resource for putting healthy meals on the table.
Need to refer someone else to apply for CalFresh benefits for their household?
Print or share this flyer with them and encourage them to get in touch with the Food Bank’s team. We help with the county’s CalFresh application process from start to finish.
Common Questions & Resources
CalFresh benefits are not provided through cash or coupons. Instead, people who qualify for CalFresh are given an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card which looks and works like a bank ATM card.
When you go through the checkout line at a supermarket, you pass or “swipe” the EBT card through the payment machine at the checkout stand. Then you enter a four-digit PIN code. The cost of the food is then subtracted from your CalFresh account automatically – just like a bank card. CalFresh EBT cards are accepted at most grocery stores and supermarkets – including wholesalers such as Costco.
Food items vary from month to month. A typical EFAP bag will include: canned vegetables, canned soups, fruit juice, canned fruits, canned meats, spaghetti, rice, beans, occasional fresh produce, dairy, frozen meat, and frozen food items.
CalFresh benefits will help to stretch your food dollars. You can purchase food items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, fish, chicken, and cereals. You cannot use your EBT card to buy non-food items such as toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toilet paper) or tobacco. Effective 2013, homeless, seniors over 60 and disabled CalFresh recipients are now able to use their CalFresh benefits at participating restaurants.
Click here for more info!
You must meet income guidelines to receive CalFresh benefits. You can qualify for CalFresh if you are unemployed, working part time, or working full-time. You can qualify for CalFresh if you live alone, live with others, have children, or do not have children. Seniors are also eligible. See if you qualify!
Monthly Income Limits
Household Size | Gross Monthly Income* | CalFresh Benefit |
---|---|---|
1 | $2,430 | $23-$291 |
2 | $3,288 | $23-$535 |
3 | $4,144 | $23-$766 |
4 | $5,000 | $23-$973 |
5 | $5,858 | $23-$1,155 |
6 | $6,714 | $23-$1,386 |
7 | $7,570 | $23-$1,532 |
Ea. additional member | $858 | +$23-$219 |
*Effective October 1, 2023: does not apply to all households.
Note: Military members and their families can apply and receive CalFresh benefits if they meet eligibility requirements. Military pay can be complicated; some types of pay are included in the income reported on the CalFresh application such as BAH, VA Disability and some others.
Undocumented residents are not eligible for CalFresh. However, other members in the household with legal residency (e.g. United States Citizen or permanent legal resident) are still eligible. For example, an undocumented mother may apply for her children with legal residency.
Note: Those who receive Social Security, State Disability, Survivor Benefits, Unemployment or even a pension may still be eligible.
Step 1: Make sure the following is true.
- At least one member of your household is a US citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee, Asylee or T or U visa holder.
- You live in San Diego County (for residents of other counties please check with your local county office or food bank for assistance.)
- Your gross monthly income is below 200% FPL (check chart) *Households with a senior of disabled member may still qualify if their income is over 200% FPL.*
*Remember earned, unearned and non-taxable income such as VA disability, military housing (BAH), child support, etc. do count as income.
Step 2: Call our CalFresh Outreach Representatives, Maria Lewis at 858-833-2587 or Irma Guerrero at 858-833-2667.
Explore Other Food Bank Programs
Need Food?
Get food assistance in your local area. The Food Bank works with nonprofits to distribute food in your area. Use our food locator to find a nonprofit in your area that can help. Click on the Find Food button below.