Food Stamps: Here’s What You Need to Know about CalFresh
Life in San Diego has many amazing benefits, but the rising cost of living can make buying healthy food difficult. Food stamps, known locally as CalFresh, can help boost the grocery budget of eligible families and individuals.
What Are Food Stamps?
The federal government launched the original food stamps program in 1939 as part of its response to the Great Depression. In 2008, a bill renamed the program SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). While California’s program is called CalFresh, the system is the same.
SNAP, or CalFresh, is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families buy groceries. Those enrolled receive benefits each month on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. An EBT card works just like a debit card at any store that accepts CalFresh.
Who Is Eligible for CalFresh?
Eligibility for CalFresh is determined based on household size and income. If your total gross income is less than the income limit for your household size, you likely qualify for benefits. However, there are other factors that can affect your eligibility, and figuring out whether you qualify can be difficult. Feeding San Diego’s CalFresh team can help!
Feeding San Diego’s CalFresh specialists at an outreach event
How to Apply for CalFresh
There are several ways to apply for CalFresh:
- Online: The new BenefitsCal website allows you to apply online and track your application.
- In-person: You can visit your local Family Resource Center and request an application.
- With help: Feeding San Diego’s CalFresh team can walk you through the entire process.
Get Help with CalFresh
When it comes to applying for food stamps, you don’t have to go it alone. Feeding San Diego’s CalFresh specialists work directly with the County of San Diego to help with every step of the application process. Whether you’ve tried in the past and been denied or aren’t sure if you qualify, they can help! Visit our CalFresh page to set up an appointment. You can also call our CalFresh team at 858.863.6635 or e-mail calfreshteam@feedingsandiego.org.
Need food resources now? Check our Find Food map for food distributions in your area.
