These tips and resources can help you find healthy options and stretch your food budget.
Important update
CalFresh helps people buy healthy food each month. But right now, federal funding for November 2025 CalFresh benefits is on hold because of the federal shutdown. This may cause a delay in people getting their benefits. For the latest updates, visit the California Department of Social Services website.
We understand that food costs can add up quickly, especially when you’re caring for others or trying to make healthy choices on a limited budget. If you’re worried about putting food on the table, other help is available. These programs and tips can make things a little easier.
Programs that can help
Alliance Enhanced Care Management (ECM)
The Alliance ECM program has food resources such as meal delivery available for those that qualify. You must have a medical need to be able to get meal delivery. You can fill out the meal delivery form here. If you need help filling out the form or have any questions, please call 831-430-5512.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program
WIC is available in Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. It provides food resources for women, infants and children up to age 5. You can visit the WIC website, call them at 800-852-5770, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or email [email protected]. You can also get information in English, Spanish, Hmong and other languages.
Local food banks
Food banks can give you fresh food and help you sign up for CalFresh.
Mariposa County
- Manna House of Mariposa: 209-742-7985.
- Mariposa Heritage House Food Pantry: 209-966-7770.
- Merced County Food Bank: 209-726-3663. (Serving Merced and Mariposa counties).
- 2-1-1: Call 2-1-1 or text Zip Code to 898211.
Merced County
- Catholic Charities: 209-383-2494.
- Merced County Food Bank: 209-726-3663. (Serving Merced and Mariposa counties).
- Merced Lao Family Community, Inc: 209-384-7384
- Salvation Army Los Banos: (209) 827-4945.
- 2-1-1: Call 2-1-1 or text Zip Code to 898211.
Monterey County
- Food Bank for Monterey County: 831-758-1523.
- Salvation Army Salinas: 831-422-0889.
- Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula Good Samaritan Center: 831-899-4988.
- Vincent de Paul Society at Sacred Heart Church: 831-424-1959.
- 211 Monterey County: Call 2-1-1 or text Zip Code to 898211.
San Benito County
- Community Food Bank of San Benito: 831-637-0340.
- Salvation Army Hollister: 831-636-9832.
Santa Cruz County
- 211 Santa Cruz County: Call 2-1-1 or text Zip Code to 898211.
- Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes: 831-722-4144.
- Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County Community Food Hotline: 831-662-0991.
- St. Francis Catholic Soup Kitchen: 831-459-6712.
General Directory sites
CalFresh
Even though CalFresh benefits are on hold right now, you should keep sending in all required forms and paperwork to help prevent more delays once funding starts again.
You can ask for CalFresh benefits online or by calling your county’s CalFresh office.
Mariposa County
209-966-2000
800-549-6741
Merced County
209-385-3000
Monterey County
877-410-8823
San Benito County
831-636-4180
Santa Cruz County
888-421-8080
Tips to help stretch your food budget
- Plan ahead: Make a shopping list before you go to the store. It helps you buy what you need and waste less.
- Cook at home: Homemade meals often cost less and are healthier than takeout or fast food.
- Use leftovers: Turn extra food into soups, casseroles, omelets or frittatas.
- Eat fruits and veggies: Fresh, frozen or canned—they all count and help you stay healthy.
