Get help buying groceries with CalFresh

CalFresh (also called SNAP) provides qualifying households with an EBT debit card to buy groceries. Our team checks if you qualify and walks you through the whole application — at no cost. Navigate this map to find participating online stores. 

✓ Free & confidential ✓ We never sell or share your info ✓ Most calls take ~20 min

Do I qualify?

Most households qualify if their gross monthly income is at or below the limit for their size. Owning a home or car does not disqualify you.

Household Size Maximum Gross Monthly Income *Monthly CalFresh Benefit
1 $2,610 up to $298
2 $3,526 up to $546
3 $4,442 up to $785
4 $5,360 up to $994
+ each additional + $918 + $218

*Effective Oct 2025–Sep 2026. Actual amount depends on income & expenses; qualifying 1- to 2-person households receive a minimum of $24 per month. Your monthly CalFresh benefit will vary depending on your gross income, household size, and monthly expenses. Contact our team to learn more.

How getting help works

Book a free call

Pick a time with a Feeding San Diego specialist, in English or Spanish.

We apply together

We complete the county application with you and prep you for the interview.

Get your EBT card

If approved, funds load automatically each month for groceries.

What is CalFresh?

CalFresh (known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) puts money on an EBT card to buy groceries at stores, farmers’ markets, and many online retailers. How much you get depends on your household size, income, and expenses like rent and utilities.

Our Team Is Here to Help

CalFresh applications are processed by the County of San Diego. Feeding San Diego’s CalFresh specialists are here to provide assistance and advocate for your benefit approval. Residents must live in San Diego County to apply.

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Already applied, or have a question about your case?

Call our CalFresh team at 858.863.6635 or e-mail calfreshteam@feedingsandiego.org
Missed your phone interview? Reschedule via the county ACCESS line at (833) 246-6948 or by dial 2-1-1.

Common myths, cleared up

Fact: Benefit amounts depend on each household’s unique situation, and individual amounts can range from $24 to $298 a month.

Fact: There can be multiple “CalFresh Households” under one roof. The most important thing that determines if people can apply separately is whether or not they buy and prepare food together.

Fact: You can own a house and a car and still be eligible for CalFresh.

Fact: Anyone between the ages of 18 and 64 who is physically capable of working will be limited to 3 months of benefits in a 26-month period, unless you are exempt by meeting one of the following:

  • Unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation.
  • Have a child under 14.
  • Pregnant (any stage of pregnancy).
  • Are Indians, Urban Indians, California Indians, and other Indians who are eligible for the Indian Health Services.
  • Are employed, self-employed, or volunteering at least 20 hours a week or an average of 80 hours per month.
  • Are participating in an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) training program at least half-time

Experiencing homelessness, being a veteran, or having aged out of foster care at 18 is no longer an exemption to work requirements rules.

Fact: As of June 2019, people receiving SSI are now eligible for CalFresh benefits.

Fact:

Federal changes to eligibility requirements extend CalFresh eligibility to only the following immigration statuses:

  • Citizen;
  • National;
  • Lawfully Permanent Resident (LPR);
  • Cuban or Haitian Entrant; or
  • An individual who resides in the U.S. in accordance with a Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreement (Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau (Palau))

Individuals in the following categories are no longer eligible for CalFresh:

  • Refugees
  • Asylees
  • Parolees
  • U-VISA or T-VISA ( Victims of domestic violence, trafficking victims)

Fact: As of March 9, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will no longer consider participation in Medi-Cal (except for long-term care), public housing, or CalFresh as part of the public charge determination. Learn more.

Fact: Many college students are eligible for CalFresh under special student eligibility criteria. CalFresh defines a college student as someone aged 18 to 49 who is enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education. Most students qualify if they meet at least one of the following:

  • Approved for work-study, receive Cal Grant A or B,
  • Work at least 20 hours/week or more,
  • Have a $0 Expected Family Contribution (EFC),
  • Have a dependent,
  • Receive CalWorks, or
  • Are in certain employment/training programs.

Learn more about college student eligibility.

Get CalFresh? You may also save on utilities

SDGE Medical Baseline Program (Seniors)

If a CalFresh participant has a qualifying medical condition or needs certain medical devices, they may qualify for the Medical Baseline Allowance Program. This program provides additional gas and electricity at the lowest rates for residential customers.

California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program

Father and son at Feeding San Diego food distribution smile outside of car

Through CalFresh, families may be eligible for discounted energy bills through SDG&E’s Public Assistance Programs, including the CARE Program, which can provide 30%+ off monthly energy bills.

Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program

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Families who don’t qualify for the SDG&E CARE program may qualify for FERA if they meet income limits & consist of 3 or more in the household. FERA can provide families with 18% off your monthly energy bill.

If you’re experiencing hunger, CalFresh can help.

See if you’re eligible today — it’s free.