Food is an important part of many holiday traditions. But grocery costs can add stress, especially when money is tight.
If you need help buying food, you are not alone. CalFresh, WIC and free food resources in your community can help you put meals on the table during the holiday season and beyond.
Here are some ways to get food support for you and your family.
How can I get help buying groceries?
CalFresh
CalFresh is a food program that helps low-income individuals and families buy healthy food every month.
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
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. If your county social services office sends you messages or letters about your CalFresh benefits, make sure to read them.
- There are some changes to CalFresh because of a new federal law called H.R. 1. For the latest CalFresh updates, visit the California Department of Social Services website.
County contact information
Mariposa County
209-966-2000
800-266-3609
Merced County
209-385-3000
Monterey County
877-410-8823
San Benito County
831-636-4180
Santa Cruz County
888-421-8080
Get more fruits and vegetables with Market Match
If you use CalFresh, you may be able to get extra money for fruits and vegetables through Market Match.
Market Match is offered at certain farmers’ markets and other locations. When you use your CalFresh benefits, you can get extra funds to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
Visit the Market Match website to learn how it works and find participating locations.
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.
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 (Watsonville) or 831-426-3911 (Santa Cruz and Felton).
Where can I find free food near me?
Food banks and other organizations can give you fresh food and meals. Some may be able to help you sign up for CalFresh. Call or visit the website ahead of time to see what these organizations offer.
Mariposa County
- Manna House of Mariposa: 209-742-7985.
- Mariposa Heritage House Food Pantry: 209-966-7770.
- Mariposa Safe Families: 209-966-2211.
- 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.
- Salvation Army Merced: 209-383-4225
Monterey County
- Food Bank for Monterey County: 831-758-1523.
- Salvation Army Salinas: 831-443-9655.
- Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula: 831-899-4988.
- St. 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
- Find a food distribution near you.
- Call the Community Food Hotline: 831-662-0991.
- St. Francis Catholic Soup Kitchen: 831-459-6712.
More ways to find food resources
- California Association of Food Banks: Find food banks and other food assistance in your area.
- Salvation Army: Look for local programs and services. Some chapters (locations) may have additional assistance for the holidays.
- 211: Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to ask about food and other local services near you.
How can I stretch my food budget during the holidays?
Holiday meals do not have to cost a lot. Small steps can help you save money and make your food last longer.
- 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 vegetables: Fresh, frozen or canned — they all count and help you stay healthy.
Can older adults get help with meals?
Adults ages 60 and older may be able to get meals at local community centers or have meals delivered to their homes. Call 800-510-2020 or visit the California Department of Aging website to find meal programs near you.
You local Area Agency on Aging can provide you with additional food resources in your community.
- Mariposa County Area 12 Agency on Aging: 209-966-6632
- Merced County Area Agency on Aging: 209-385-7550
- Monterey County Area Agency on Aging: 831-755-4466
- Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties
- Grey Bears Healthy Food Program: Food delivery, on-site and lunch program for seniors in Santa Cruz County: 831-479-1055
Can I get meals if I have a medical need?
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 online form to request meals. If you need help filling out the form or have any questions, please call 831-430-5512.
Food support is available all year
If you need help with groceries now or later, these resources are here for you. Find the support that works best for your family.
