What is CalFresh?
CalFresh, also known as the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides monthly benefits to low-income individuals and families, so they can afford more nutritious options, including fruit, vegetables, and other healthy food. We pioneered phone-based outreach and application assistance, which allows us to complete your entire CalFresh application over the phone, submit it electronically on your behalf, and send your required documentation directly to the County.
How Does CalFresh Work?
CalFresh benefits are deposited monthly on an EBT card that works like a debit card with a PIN. You can check the balance online or over the phone. You can use your benefits almost anywhere food is sold such as supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, stores like Target and Costco, some ethnic markets, and some farmer’s markets.
Who Can Receive CalFresh?
CalFresh is for low-income people who meet the eligibility and issuance requirements. If a parent is ineligible, they can apply on behalf of their children. If you receive SSI/SSP benefits may be eligible for CalFresh Food benefits with no change to their SSI/SSP monthly benefit.
Call 2-1-1 to be pre-screened for likely eligibility. Because benefits are administered by the County, only a County eligibility worker can make the final decision on qualification and will notify you of your case status within 30 days.
Apply for CalFresh with 2-1-1 Sacramento
We can complete your entire CalFresh application over the phone and answer questions along the way. Once completed, we will also submit it on your behalf. At the end of the application, we’ll let you know what documents you may need to provide to the County.
[maxbutton id=”9″ url=”https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/Gca46e68448ed47fdb088acf3ae7f4ec6@communitylinkcr.org/bookings/” ]Other Ways to Apply
All Counties – GetCalFresh
Sacramento County – MyBenefits CalWIN
You can apply in-person at a local Community Based Organization (CBO) or at your local County office.
Click here to find listings
You can download and complete an application on your own.
Related Programs
CalFresh recipients can use their EBT cards to make online purchases for pickup or grocery delivery (select locations) at approved retailers statewide. Click here to learn more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder to feed the whole family. Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) gives eligible families food benefits in addition to free or reduced-price meals at child care or school. Children eligible for free school meals are also eligible for P-EBT and families will get a card automatically in the mail. Click here to learn more.