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CalFresh Outreach Program

CalFresh is a state program that awards you up to $250 a month for groceries

Essentially, it's a free debit card for groceries

CalFresh is a California financial aid program that helps students buy food and eat healthier. It won’t affect your financial aid and you don’t need your parent's tax return information to apply.

2 in 5 students are eligible for CalFresh

We’re looking at you: part-time workers, EOP students, Cal Grant recipients, parents, and students with an EFC of $0 or eligible for Work-Study. Take a minute to check your eligibility.

An eligible student will get $250 each month

That’s 60 more jars of peanut butter a month! Exactly how much money you will get depends on your income and how many people you buy food for.

How to apply for CalFresh on your own

1. Apply

Your county will call you within a week or two for an eligibility interview.
Apply now

2. Get money

If approved, you will get an EBT card for groceries within 10 days.

3. Buy groceries

EBT cards work in most food stores and farmers’ markets.

Submit documents

A copy of your ID

Proof of any income

Proof of immigration status

For Non-Citizens

Benefit amounts have increased due to the pandemic

CalFresh benefits chart
Household size
Minimum benefit
1 person $250
2 person $450
3 person $658
4 person $835

Interesting benefits

  • Buy groceries online with Amazon or Walmart
  • Get Amazon Prime just $5.99/mo
  • Reduced or free museum entries
  • Market Match: spends $10 of CalFresh benefits at the farmers’ market, and gets an additional $10 to spend on fresh produce

 

You may be eligible if you

Work 20+ hrs weekly

U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylum seeker or victim of trafficking or domestic violence

Approved for Cal Grant or Pell Grant, federal work-study

About CalFresh

If we don't use CalFresh, we lose it, and it goes back to the feds

CalFresh benefits - Free money for groceries

Use CalFresh at grocery stores and farmers market

Get help from a CalFresh ambassador

Schedule an appointment on Bay Advisor
CalFresh application video tutorial

This website was funded by USDA, SNAP, known in California as CalFresh, an equal opportunity provider and employer, and the California Department of Social Services. 

Students also ask

Income guidelines October 1, 2020 - September 30, 2021
Household size Gross monthly income
1 $2128
2 $2874
3 $3620
Each additional member + $748

Contact Us

CalFresh Office
  • SHCS Building, Rm. 1121
  • 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd
  • Hayward, CA 94542