Good news: the federal government shutdown has ended. This means that you can use CalFresh benefits again. CalFresh is a food program that helps low-income individuals and families buy healthy food every month.
Many families look forward to sharing a festive meal together during the holidays. As we celebrate the season, no one should have to worry about how they will put food on the table. CalFresh and free community resources can help you when your grocery budget is tight.
Buying holiday groceries
CalFresh
Apply for CalFresh
There are a few ways you can apply for CalFresh:
- Apply online through BenefitsCal or the CalFresh website.
- Call the CalFresh Info Line at 877-847-3663 (available in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean and Russian).
- Call or visit your county’s social services office.
If you already have CalFresh
Now that the federal government shutdown has ended, you should get your full benefits through November and the coming months. Your CalFresh benefits will automatically be added to your EBT card and can be used like normal.
If you have questions about your benefits, contact your local social services office.
Stay up to date:
- Keep sending in all required forms and paperwork to help prevent delays to your benefits.
- For the latest CalFresh updates, visit the California Department of Social Services website.
County contact information
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
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program
If you qualify for CalFresh, you may also qualify for benefits through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. WIC is a program for women, infants and children up to age 5. WIC is continuing to serve California families without interruption to benefits.
With WIC, you can get benefits on a WIC Card to help you buy nutritious foods like:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Whole grains and cereal.
- Milk, soy milk, eggs and cheese.
- Tofu.
- Baby food.
- Infant formula.
- Juice, peanut butter and more.
You can visit the WIC website for more information.
Apply for WIC
To apply, call your local WIC office:
- Mariposa County: 209-383-4859.
- Merced County: 209-383-4859.
- Monterey County: 831-796-2888.
- San Benito County: 831-637-6871.
- Santa Cruz County: 831-722-7121.
Free food from 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).
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.
Monterey County
- Food Bank for Monterey County: 831-758-1523.
- Salvation Army Salinas: 831-443-9655.
- Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula Good Samaritan Center: 831-899-4988.
- Vincent de Paul Society at Sacred Heart Church: 831-424-1959.
San Benito County
- Community Food Bank of San Benito: 831-637-0340.
- Salvation Army Hollister: 831-636-9832.
Santa Cruz County
- Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes: 831-722-4144.
- Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County Community Food Hotline: 831-662-0991.
- Francis Catholic Soup Kitchen: 831-459-6712.
