Over 3 million households in California rely on CalFresh, the state’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to ensure they have access to food. The program is more commonly known as “food stamps,” and the latest data from January 2023 shows that over 5 million people are currently using these funds.
During the pandemic, CalFresh users have been receiving extra funds, called “emergency allotments,” in recognition of the challenges brought about by COVID-19. However, starting in April 2023, CalFresh users have seen a significant drop in their food benefits.
The reason for this is due to the federal funding changes for SNAP programs across the United States, rather than a change in California law.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 ended the pandemic-era release of extra funds to households across the country. As a result, a person using CalFresh at the very least is losing $95 each month in their food benefits. Families with multiple children, older people, and those with disabilities are expected to be the most affected by the changes.
Becky Silva, government relations director at the California Association of Food Banks, told CalMatters that a single-person household could see their food aid drop from $281 a month to as low as $23 in April.
“There’s no way to overstate how devastating this is going to be. Families are going to see a dramatic and sudden drop in their food benefits at a time when food price inflation and the cost of living in California especially is through the roof.”
Becky Silva, government relations director at the California Association of Food Banks
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has been using various communication methods, including texts, social media, automated phone calls, and mailers to alert CalFresh users about the drop in funds. The CDSS has also advised people being hit by the sudden drop in food benefits that they can get free food from their local food banks, as an additional food resource. However, food bank representatives are deeply concerned about the impact of hunger in California. The cost of living in California is high, and food price inflation is a problem, so families are expected to see a dramatic and sudden drop in their food benefits at a time when they need it most.
What can you do?
Call 211
CalFresh officials say that if you are in “immediate need of food assistance,” you can dial 211 and speak with someone about food services that are available in your area.
This hotline is open 24 hours a day, but they warn that “not all areas provide 211 phone support.”
Alternatively, the CalFresh Info Line can be reached at (877) 847-3663. The California Department of Social Services Helpline is (888) 445-1955, which CalFresh says can also offer information and assistance.
Get free produce at a farmers market that’s participating in California’s Fruit and Vegetable EBT pilot
The state’s Fruit and Vegetable EBT pilot provides CalFresh participants with up to $60 per month in rebates when they use their EBT card to pay for California-grown produce at a limited number of farmers markets and grocery stores statewide.
How it works: If you have funds on your EBT card and use them to pay for eligible produce at a participating location, you’ll instantly get a rebate for the cost of that produce — effectively making it free at the point of sale.
More locations will be participating in this pilot program in 2023. But right now, you can get up to $60 worth of California-grown produce with your EBT card at the following farmers markets in the Sacramento Area:
| Country Club Plaza Farmers’ Market | 2405 Butano Drive, Sacramento, CA 95828 | |
| Sunrise Station Farmers’ Market | Sunrise Blvd & Folsom Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 |
Apply for WIC
The Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) provides food assistance to lower-income families who have young children or are expecting a new child. Like CalFresh, it’s federally funded, and you can receive WIC benefits on top of your CalFresh benefits.
The program is income-based, and is available to pregnant people, plus new parents and grandparents of young children. See whether you’re eligible for WIC and apply online.
Use Market Match to double your CalFresh or WIC dollars at a farmers market
Market Match is a statewide program that enables you to double your CalFresh or Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) funds at certain farmers markets and farm-direct locations near you.
How it works: Use the Market Match map to find a participating farmers market or other farm-direct location near you, and when you arrive during operating hours, go to that market’s information booth with your EBT card and ask for Market Match. Your EBT card will be swiped for a dollar amount of your choice, and in return you’ll receive tokens for double that dollar amount to spend at the market. (In other words, Market Match effectively gives you 50% off produce you buy at participating farmers markets.)
Find a food bank or community pantry near you
Sacramento Food Bank
In Sacramento County, Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services is the largest nonprofit provider of basic human needs in Sacramento County.
https://www.sacramentofoodbank.org
(916) 456-1980
REACH (Rio Linda Elverta Area Churches for the Hungry)
REACH only serves those residing in zip codes 95626, 95673, 95660 & 95652.
151 Delano Street, Elverta, CA 95626
(916) 717-3265
Tuesday: 9:30AM – 11:30AM
Thursday: 9:30AM – 11:30AM
Manna Food Bank
4840 Marysville Boulevard, Sacramento, CA, 95838
(916) 922-6442
Friday: 9:30AM – 12:00PM
