Applying for CalFresh (SNAP, formerly Food Stamp Program)

Low-income individuals and families can get help to buy the food they need for good health through CalFresh, formerly known as Food Stamps and nationally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You apply for these benefits by completing a CalFresh/SNAP/Food Stamp application. CalFresh benefits are provided on an Electronic Benefit Transfer card (EBT) which can be used like an ATM/Debit card. It is accepted at most grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

You may qualify for CalFresh even if you have a full- or part-time job. CalFresh stretch a tight food budget to keep your family well-fed and healthy.

How to apply

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano has bilingual staff ready to assist you with the CalFresh eligibility evaluation and application process.

The CalFresh outreach team also provides free CalFresh information and applications to help raise awareness about CalFresh/SNAP/Food Stamp Program.

For questions or to learn if you are eligible to receive CalFresh benefits please call Barbara Stanley or Juan Orozco 855-309-FOOD (3663) extension 232 and 231 or email at bstanley@foodbankccs.org or jorozco@foodbankccs.org.

Si tiene preguntas o para aprender si usted es elegible para recibir beneficios de CalFresh por favor llámele a Barbara Stanley o Juan Orozco 1-800-870-FOOD (3663) extensión 232 y 231 o mándele un correo electrónico a bstanley@foodbankccs.org o jorozco@foodbankccs.org.

Who is NOT ELIGIBLE?

Individuals who receive SSI/SSP assistance, and undocumented residents are not eligible for CalFresh. However, other members of your family might be. If you are a legal non-citizen, you might be eligible for CalFresh. Other family members in your household who were born in the United States also might be eligible.

Note: Applying for CalFresh/SNAP/Food Stamps will not hurt your chances of becoming a US citizen. However, food stamp applicants must have a Social Security Number.

Download our informational CalFresh/SNAP/Food Stamp Brochure or
CalFresh/SNAP/Estampillas de Comida Folleto.

Download the CalFresh/SNAP/Food Stamp Application or
CalFresh/SNAP/Solicitud Estampillas de Comida.

SNAP applications cannot be submitted online. Please print and complete the application and mail to your local County Social Services Department (see list below). Contact Barbara Stanley or Juan Orozco for help and prescreening information.

County Social Services

Find a Social Services office in your area:

CalFresh/SNAP/Food Stamp Outreach Trainings

CalFresh/SNAP/Food Stamp Outreach Trainings for Food Bank member agencies and outreach partners are offered throughout the year. These training sessions are not open to the general public, but are specifically for people who represent other agencies interested in learning how to assist clients with eligibility for the CalFresh/SNAP/Food Stamp Program.

Facts and Myths of CalFresh

For more information on the next training, contact Juan Orozco - jorozco@foodbankccs.org or call 855-309-FOOD.

CalFresh Outreach Partners Meeting

The next Partners Meeting will take place on Thursday, May 30th at the Food Bank’s Fairfield office. To register, please download and fill out the registration form, “save as” and email to Juan Orozco - jorozco@foodbankccs.org by May 23rd. For more information on the next meeting, contact Juan Orozco - jorozco@foodbankccs.org or call 855-309-FOOD.

Additional Training

If you are interested in a CalFresh training at your office for your staff or volunteers, contact Heidi Kleiner - hkleiner@foodbankccs.org 925-676-7543 extension 250.

Farmers’ Markets

Download a brochure with tips for using your EBT card at farmers’ markets.

Contra Costa County farmers’ market brochure
Solano County Farmers’ market brochure 

For more information on EBT at the farmers’ market, contact Heidi  - hkleiner@foodbankccs.org or call 855-309-FOOD.

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions or need more information about the CalFresh/SNAP/Food Stamp Program, please Contact Barbara Stanley at (925) 676-7543 extension 232 or bstanley@foodbankccs.org, Juan Orozco at (925) 676-7543 extension 231 or jorozco@foodbankccs.org, or Heidi Kleiner - hkleiner@foodbankccs.org extension 250.