What is CalFresh?

CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps), 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 Benefits Transfer or “EBT” card. Food may be purchased at any grocery store or farmers market that accepts EBT cards.


Who is it for?

CalFresh is for people with low-income who meet federal income eligibility rules and want to add to their budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table. See eligibility guidelines here.


How does CalFresh work?

Benefits are added to an account that is accessible in a similar manner to a bank account that is accessible via the Electronic Benefits Transfer or “EBT” card and unique pin at countless locations across the state. To find a retailer near you, search here.

For online access to EBT card balance information, CalFresh clients can visit the California Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Client Website. Click credit card and then log-in. CalFresh clients can also access real-time account information, card locking, out-of-state transaction blocking, and suspicious transaction monitoring through the ​Propel app.


Expansion of CalFresh to SSI/SSP Recipients!

Beginning June 1, 2019, recipients of SSI/SSP benefits may be eligible for CalFresh Food benefits for the first time! There is no change to the SSI/SSP monthly benefit. To learn about this policy change, see the Expansion of CalFresh to SSI Recipients Partner Flyer located here: English or Spanish.

For more information on how SSI recipients may apply for CalFresh Food benefits, visit CalFreshFood.org.


Where can I apply?

Sacramento County Residents can receive over-the-phone CalFresh application assistance from 2-1-1 Sacramento Call Specialists by dialing 2-1-1 and scheduling an appointment.

Residents can also contact Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS), whose CalFresh team can help qualified individuals apply to the CalFresh program over the phone or through text. 

To view in-person application assistance offered by various partners across Sacramento County, see the map below. Other application assistance can be found by contacting the County of Sacramento Department of Human Assistance. In addition, applicants are welcome to apply online at BenefitsCal.com.

 

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