Calfresh benefits are received through a debit card called EBT or Electronic Benefits Transfer. There are many places where you can use your benefits, and today we’ll take a look at the grocery stores that accept Calfresh so you can make the most of your benefits.
Each month, the benefits of your Calfresh card are recharged to your account. You can take advantage of these benefits at most grocery stores, convenience stores, markets and even some farmer’s markets.
This is because this card can be used like any traditional debit or credit card to purchase food. With every purchase, the price of your purchases is automatically deducted from your account, and you can easily check your balance by calling the number on the back of your card.
What can be purchased with the benefits of Calfresh?
This is a card that will allow you to buy all types of food, except prepared meals. You will not be able to buy items such as tobacco, alcohol, pet food, or toiletries with your card.
This card can be applied for by anyone who is over 60 years of age, has a disability, or is homeless. In these cases, the Calfresh card can be used at participating restaurants as part of the Restaurant Meals Program.
Where can the EBT card be used?
It is very easy to find a store where you can use your Calfresh benefit card by simply accessing their authorized locations web page. There you simply click on “Enter the SNAP Retailer Locator“. A map will pop up.
There, you can easily search for grocery stores that accept Calfresh. Just enter your city or zip code to quickly find stores that accept this card.
You can simply select the grocery store that suits you best depending on your location, and you can be sure that they will receive your benefit card.
Who qualifies to receive this card?
Eligibility is based on the number of people in your household, your monthly income, and your expenses. Even if you work, you may be eligible to apply for Calfresh benefits.
However, undocumented residents will not apply for this benefit. However, other members living in the household may still qualify for this benefit. Note that to be eligible you must have a gross monthly income of less than $2,148 per person to apply.
The application process for this card can be done easily, simply from the web application. You only have to enter here and follow the steps so you can apply for these benefits in just 10 minutes.
Do farmer’s markets accept Calfresh?
Yes, many of the farmers’ markets accept Calfresh benefits. This allows low-income people in California to access fresh produce. In this way, it also supports small family farms. Many of these markets also accept other benefits such as WIC and or Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers.
CalFresh provides a monthly allowance in the form of a CalFresh EBT card to purchase the foods they like at their favorite grocery stores, local Farmers’ Markets, and online retailers that accept EBT. Visit https://t.co/GPKplHisaE to find an application assistance site near you! pic.twitter.com/8Fjv9wvLTr
— SLOFoodBank (@slofoodbank) May 5, 2024
To use your Calfresh benefits in this type of market, you must go to the info booth. There you have to let the staff know how many benefits you want to redeem, swipe your EBT card, and you will receive market coins or paper scrip so you can make your purchases at the booths. These coins can be used to buy any food, except for hot meals or prepared foods for immediate consumption.
Which stores accept Calfresh EBT online in California?
There are many stores that will accept your EBT card for online shopping, applying for both delivery and in-store pick-up. Grocery Stores that will accept this type of benefit include:
- Albertsons
- ALDI
- Amazon
- Cardenas Markets
- Food 4 Less
- FoodMaxx
- Lucky Supermarkets
- Pavilions
- Rancho San Miguel Markets
- Safeway
- Sam’s Club Scan and Go
- Save Mart Supermarkets
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Super King Market
- Superior Grocers
- Target
- The Market by Superior
- Vons
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
These are just a few of the stores that will accept your Calfresh card for both online and in-store purchases. Please note that some stores will only accept your EBT benefits through Instacart.
Is it possible to buy an item online and pick it up at the store?
This will depend on the store you are shopping at. There are some stores that offer only the shipping option, so you will need to check with the store you are buying from before making your purchases.
Some stores, such as Albertsons, Safeway, or Vons, will allow you to have a “Drive Up and Go” option. In these cases, you will be able to take your card to the pick-up location to make payment and receive the items you have purchased.
Keep in mind that if you buy online and opt for shipping to your home. You will have to consider that some stores will charge you extra for this service or have minimum limits for free shipping. For this reason, it is best to check with the store where you are going to make your purchases in order to get all the benefits.
Can I buy through DoorDash with EBT?
No. Food apps, such as DoorDash or Uber Eats do not accept Calfresh card benefits for your orders, even if you order from California Restaurant Meals Program participants.
In these cases, some holders of these benefits are allowed to purchase hot meals. However, they will not apply to meal delivery applications.
REFERENCES
- Nesbit, J. (2023, March 16). Does Walmart take EBT in 2022? (Eligible items + how it works). GOBankingRates. https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/food/walmartaccepts-ebt-snap-food-stamps-restrictions/
- Foodwise (2022, October 31). 10 Things to Know about CalFresh : Foodwise. https://foodwise.org/articles/10-things-to-know-about-calfresh/
- CalFresh FAQs – San Diego Hunger Coalition (n.d.). San Diego Hunger Coalition. https://www.sandiegohungercoalition.org/calfresh-faqs
- (2023, May 5). CalFresh Benefits Products list: What can you buy with CalFresh. MARCA. https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/usnews/2023/05/05/64550e7446163fc06e8b460c.html
- Kuadey, K. (2024). Stores that accept EBT online in California (For Delivery or Pickup). California Food Stamps Help. https://icaliforniafoodstamps.com/grocery-stores-thataccept-ebt-online-in-california/?expand_article=1