CalFresh
CalFresh is a grocery assistance program that offers low-income individuals and families a supplemental monthly benefit. CalFresh helps people buy the food they need when money is tight.
Who’s Eligible?
CalFresh is for everyone — employed and unemployed individuals, families, seniors, people with disabilities, active and non-active military personnel, and those experiencing homelessness. If you’re within the income limits, you may be eligible.
Some CalFresh eligibility requirements have changed due to the passing of H.R.1 Public Law 119–21 on July 4, 2025. These changes impact humanitarian immigrants and adults aged 18 to 65 who do not have young children at home. Learn more.
We Can Help
Our team can help determine if you are eligible and walk you through the application process. Think you’re not eligible? We can also help you locate other food resources. Interpreter services available in most languages.
CalFresh Income Guidelines
October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027
| People in Household | Maximum Income Monthly |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,660 |
| 2 | $3,608 |
| 3 | $4,554 |
| 4 | $5,550 |
| 5 | $6,448 |
| 6 | $7,394 |
| 7 | $8,340 |
| 8 | $9,288 |
| Each additional member | + $948 |
Questions about the CalFresh Program? Contact our CalFresh Outreach Team by calling 925-603-3316, filling out the CalFresh contact form, or book a phone call.
Changes to CalFresh Eligibility in 2026
On April 1, 2026, changes to noncitizen/immigrant eligibility for CalFresh (also known as SNAP) began to take effect from the passing of H.R.1 Public Law 119–21 on July 4, 2025.
You are no longer eligible for CalFresh if you are a:
- Asylee
- Refugee
- Parolee (unless you are CHE)
- Individual with Deportation or Removal Withheld
- Conditional entrant
- Survivor of trafficking
- Battered noncitizen
- Iraqi or Afghan with a special immigrant refugee visa (SIV)
- Certain Afghan National granted parole between July 31, 2021 and September 30, 2023
- Certain Ukrainian National granted parole between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2024
If you applied for CalFresh before April 1, 2026, you can continue to receive benefits until your next recertification.
Download the flyer overview (English and Spanish) that goes over these changes. Have questions about your eligibility? Contact our CalFresh Outreach Team at CF@foodbankccs.org or 925-603-3316.
Here are some additional resources to help understand how these changes and how they might impact you from CDSS (California Department of Social Services).
Noncitizen Flyer from CDSS
CalFresh Noncitizen FAQ from CDSS
Starting June 1, 2026, changes to work and community engagement requirements for CalFresh/SNAP benefits take effect from the passing of H.R.1 Public Law 119–21 on July 4, 2025.
Some people who get CalFresh may need to work or participate in community engagement activities to keep getting benefits. This typically applies to adults ages 18 to 64 who do not have a disability and do not have young children at home.
People in this group are called ABAWDs (Able‑Bodied Adults Without Dependents). People with ABAWD status can only get CalFresh for three months in a three‑year period if they do not meet the rule of working or doing approved activities for 20 hours each week or 80 hours each month. Some people may be excused from these rules.
In California, most counties will begin applying the new CalFresh work and community engagement requirements starting June 1, 2026.
If you applied for CalFresh before June 1, 2026, you will not have to meet the rules until your recertification.
If you apply for CalFresh after June 1, 2026, your county will tell you if you are excused from the requirements, already meet the requirements, or if you will be limited to three months of benefits when you apply.
Download the flyer overview (English and Spanish) that goes over these changes.
Have questions about your eligibility? Contact our CalFresh Outreach Team at CF@foodbankccs.org or 925-603-3316.
What is an ABAWD?
Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents is a federal term for SNAP recipients aged 18 to 64 who do not have a young child at home or who meet other exemptions.
*Note: New CalFresh applicants will be screened for ABAWD rules beginning June 1. Existing CalFresh recipients will be screened for ABAWD rules during their next recertification.
H.R. 1 subjects more people to time limits. (Source: California Association of Food Banks)
| Before H.R. 1 Implementation | After H.R. 1 Implementation |
| Adults aged 18-54 who were considered able to work an average of 20 hours per week may be subject to the time limits if an exemption is not met. | Adults aged 18-64 who are considered able to work an average of 20 hours per week may be subject to the time limit if an exemption is not met. |
| Excused an individual from time limits if they had someone under 18 in their household. | Excuses an individual from the time limit if they have someone under 14 in their household. |
Excluded these groups from time limits:
| Adds a time limit on benefits for:
|
| Excludes this group from time limits: “Indians, Urban Indians, California Indians” and other people eligible for the Indian Health Services. |
You may be exempt from time-limit rules if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Under the age of 18 or over 64.
- Parent or caregiver for a dependent child under the age of 14.
- Recipient or applicant for unemployment or disability benefits.
- Unable to work at least 20 hours per week or a total of 80 hours or more per month due to a physical or mental health issue. California Department of Social Service’s CalFresh Medical Certification Form.
- Caregiver for a sick, injured, or disabled person.
- Pregnant.
- Attending school at least half-time.
- Unable to work due to drug or alcohol addiction, a victim of domestic violence, or experiencing chronic homelessness due to a physical or mental health issue. California Department of Social Service’s CalFresh Medical Certification Form.
- Identify as an Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA).
- Participant in an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) training program for at least half-time.
- Resident where the ABAWD work requirement is waived.
California Department of Social Service’s CalFresh ABAWD time limit exemption screening form.
Some counties don’t have the new requirements
The federal government may grant counties waivers that give them temporary permission not to use these work and community engagement requirements. If you live in one of these counties, you can keep getting CalFresh without meeting work and community engagement requirements between November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026:
- Alpine
- Colusa
- Imperial
- Merced
- Monterey
- Plumas
- Tulare
If you are not excused from the new requirements, you will need to work or participate in a community engagement activity for a total of 20 hours per week, or an average of 80 hours per month, to keep your CalFresh benefits.
Work and community engagement activities include, but are not limited to, the following. You can do any of these types of activities alone or combined:
- Working (including self-employment) or earning $217.50 per week before taxes.
- Volunteering, performing community service, or in-kind work of 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month. Learn about completing your requirements by volunteering at the Food Bank.
- Attend school, college, or training.
- Participating in a workfare, employment, or job training program.
- Combination of qualifying activities.
California Department of Social Service’s CalFresh volunteer work hours verification form.
Learn more about completing your requirements by volunteering at the Food Bank.
Volunteer opportunities through these organizations are not offered through the Food Bank. Each organization has their own process and requirements. Please reach out to the agency directly for more information:
ANTIOCH
Chosen Remnant 2912 Delta Fair Blvd, 925-504-3515 teemodicue@icloud.com, www.facebook.com/HisCR
Gracefully Broken 1919 Buchanan Rd, 925-207-6241, Randimiller73@yahoo.com
BAY POINT
Bay Area Community Resources 204 Bailey Rd, 510-619-8039, kmcbride@bacr.org
Delta Baptist Church 500 Pacifica Ave, vmfojas@gmail.com
Queen of the World 3155 Winterbrook Dr, Dannyvu1960@gmail.com
BETHEL ISLAND
New Covenant Church 6080 Bethel Island Rd, 925-684-2700, www.nccbi.net
BRENTWOOD
H.O.P.E. House Food Pantry 218 Pine St, 925-382-9967, Hopeh.umc@gmail.com
Seed of Faith Church 605 Harvest Park Dr, 925-513-2970, seedoffaith@comcast.net
CONCORD
Salvation Army: Concord 3950 Clayton Rd, 925-676-6180, www.salvationarmyconcordca.org
EL SOBRANTE
St. Vincent de Paul: St. Callistus Conference 3580 San Pablo Dam Rd, 510-243-7501, a.n.stcallistus@gmail.com
PITTSBURG
Church of the Good Shepherd 3200 Harbor St, 925-432-6404
New Destiny Church 1411 E Leland Rd, 925-439-8989
Pittsburg United Methodist Church 153 W Leland Rd, Pittsburgumc@comcast.net
PLEASANT HILL
Hillcrest Church 404 Gregory Ln, 925-689-8260 ext. 2, office@hillcrestucc.org, www.hillcrestucc.org
RICHMOND
Ephesians Community Development Center 2887 Foothill Ave, 510-778-1528, ephesianscdc@gmail.com, www.ephesianscdc.org
GRIP 165 22nd St, 510-233-2141 ext. 310, ctoliver@gripcommunity.org, www.gripcares.org
Meals on Wheels Alim@mowsc.org, www.mealsonwheelssolano.org/volunteer
North Richmond Missionary Baptist Church 1427 Fred Jackson Way, 510-232-7751, nrmbchurch2014@gmail.com
Richmond Emergency Food Pantry 2369 Barrett Ave, info@refp.org, www.refp.org
SAN PABLO
St. Vincent de Paul: St. Paul’s Conference 1850 Church Ln, 510-691-6404, svdpsanpablo1845@gmail.com
WALNUT CREEK
Support Life 2449 Buena Vista Ave, www.supportlives.org/volunteer
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa (Martinez, Pittsburg, Antioch, and Oakley) 925-293-4792, kai@loavesfishescc.org, www.loavesfishescc.org
Volunteer opportunities through these organizations are not offered through the Food Bank. Each organization has their own process and requirements. Please reach out to the agency directly for more information:
FAIRFIELD
Catholic Charities Solano 823 Jefferson St, Suites A & B, 707-644-8909, aaustin@ccyoso.org, www.ccyoso.org/volunteermain
Change and New Beginnings (CANB) 416 Union Ave, 707-427-1148 ext. 119, Keetra@canbinc.org
Fairfield City Church 743 E Tabor Ave, 707-426-2172
Meals on Wheels Alim@mowsc.org, www.mealsonwheelssolano.org/volunteer
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 1735 Enterprise Dr, Building 3, 707-425-1849, evangelize@mcbcfs.org
Samoan Christian Fellowship 1200 Western Ave, 707-428-4221, tomanogirtlei@gmail.com
VACAVILLE
Opportunity House 267 Bennett Hill Ct, www.opportunity.house
VALLEJO
Boys and Girls Empowerment Group 1624 Fairgrounds Dr, Suite C, 707-657-1726, mel@boysandgirlsempowermentgroup.org
Food is Free Bay Area 900 Fairgrounds Dr, 707-690-0945, HeatherP@FIFBayArea.org, www.fifbayarea.org
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 1905 Florida St, 707-648-2005. Ask for Rosemary Louissiant.
Incredible Blessings 4 U, Inc. 601 Sacramento St, 707-567-7204, incredibleblessings4u@gmail.com, www.incredibleblessings4u.org
St. Basil Conference 1225 Tuolumne St, 707-644-0376, volunteer_stbc@sonic.net
The Edge 2166 Sacramento Ave, 707-421-9430, germainel@edgecommunitychurch.org
Wayside Methodist Church Mobile delivery distribution, 707-334-1850, egmercado@sbcglobal.net. Also: 707-567-2823, mglamorena@gmail.com
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Innovative Health Solutions Serving Solano County, www.innovativehealths.com
Here are some additional resources to help understand how these changes and how they might impact you from CDSS (California Department of Social Services):
California Department of Social Services’ website
California Department of Social Services FAQ
California Department of Social Service’s CalFresh volunteer work hours verification form.
California Department of Social Service’s CalFresh medical certification form.
California Department of Social Service’s CalFresh ABAWD time limit exemption screening form.
Frequently Asked Questions About CalFresh
Using CalFresh may be considered in a public charge test under updated federal rules that took effect on September 18, 2026. Every household is different, please reach out to our CalFresh team for an eligibility screening.
If you are worried about public charge, do not make choices based on rumors or general information alone. Before you stop health care, food aid, or other support your family needs, find out if public charge applies to you.
For immigration questions: Talk with a licensed immigration attorney or find a qualified immigration legal services provider through the California Department of Social Services.
Additional resources:
April 1, 2026 Update to Immigrant Eligibility
Starting April 1, 2026, changes to noncitizen/immigrant eligibility for CalFresh (also known as SNAP) take effect from the passing of H.R.1 Public Law 119–21 on July 4, 2025.
You are no longer eligible for CalFresh if you are a:
- Asylee
- Refugee
- Parolee (unless you are CHE)
- Individual with Deportation or Removal Withheld
- Conditional entrant
- Survivor of trafficking
- Battered noncitizen
- Iraqi or Afghan with a special immigrant refugee visa (SIV)
- Certain Afghan National granted parole between July 31, 2021 and September 30, 2023
- Certain Ukrainian National granted parole between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2024
If you applied for CalFresh before April 1, 2026, you can continue to receive benefits until your next recertification.
Download the flyer overview (English and Spanish) that goes over these changes. Have questions about your eligibility? Contact our CalFresh Outreach Team at CF@foodbankccs.org or 925-603-3316.
Here are some additional resources to help understand how these changes and how they might impact you from CDSS (California Department of Social Services).
Noncitizen Flyer from CDSS
CalFresh Noncitizen FAQ from CDSS
As of June 1st, 2019, recipients of SSI/SSP benefits may be eligible for CalFresh. Applying for CalFresh will not change your SSI/SSP benefits.
- You own your house or mobile home.
- You own a car, truck or motorcycle.
- You receive SSI/SSP benefits.
- You have a savings or retirement account.
- You are experiencing homelessness, and do not have an address or a place to cook.
Check out our CalFresh for college students page for more information.
Learn about what to expect after applying on our CalFresh County Info page.
- Shop at participating farmers markets and get $10 to $15 matched through the Market Match program!
- Discounted utilities:
- PG&E services, 20% discount, call 866-743-2273.
- Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA), 18% discount.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Free or discounted phones and phone services through California Lifeline.
- Transportation discounts:
- Express Lanes START program (50 to 75% discount on solo and carpool toll trips in select Northern California highway express lanes).
- 50% discount for Clipper fares (BART, Muni, CaltrainMuni, AC Transit, SolTrans, VTA, Golden Gate Transit and Ferry).
- Museums for All provides free or reduced entry to museums.
- Cardholder must be present with ID.
- Recently added: Monterey Bay Aquarium!
- 50% Amazon Prime membership discount with active EBT card. Amazon also offers:
- Shop fresh produce and pantry stable groceries with SNAP EBT.
- 50% off grocery delivery subscription.
- Shop eligible items with Cash EBT in select states.
Is your organization interested in becoming a CalFresh partner?
The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano serves an immense need in our communities. CalFresh is another layer of assistance to help our neighbors. CalFresh is a grocery assistance program that offers low-income individuals and families a supplemental monthly benefit. CalFresh helps people buy the food they need by easing the burden of grocery shopping.
The Food Bank’s team of outreach coordinators is here to partner with community organizations in Contra Costa, Solano and Napa counties to reach more neighbors who may be food insecure.
CalFresh is for everyone — employed and unemployed individuals, families, seniors, people with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and active or non-active military personnel. If your clients are within the income limits, they may be eligible! Applying for CalFresh will not change clients’ SSI/SSP benefits.
Outreach Partner: Distribute CalFresh outreach materials to your clients.
Referral Partner: Submit CalFresh client referrals to the CalFresh team via email or text.
Host Partner: Host and promote a CalFresh enrollment workshop at your site. The Food Bank’s CalFresh team will help organize.
CalFresh Presentation: The Food Bank will come to you or meet via Zoom and present about CalFresh and eligibility requirements. Also offer training courses for your team.
The materials provided here are aimed to help your organization promote CalFresh and reach more neighbors who may be food insecure. Thank you for your partnership. Please link graphics to https://www.foodbankccs.org/calfresh.
Informational Flyer (8.5″x11″)
CalFresh Flyer_ENG (English) | CalFresh Flyer_ESP (Español)
Myths and Facts (8.5″x11″) (English and Español)
Income Guidelines (8.5″x11″)
Brochures
CalFresh_ENG_brochure_web (English) | CalFresh_SPN_brochure_web (Español)
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Social Media Copy
Most grocery stores, farmers markets and retail food outlets accept CalFresh benefits. #CalFresh can be used to purchase food items like fruits, vegetables, beans, meats, dairy products, rice, bread and other staples. Apply today at foodbankccs.org/calfresh.
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CalFresh Logo
Questions about becoming a CalFresh partner? Contact our CalFresh team at CF@foodbankccs.org or 925-603-3316.