Using CalFresh and Benefits

You can use your CalFresh benefits at many different types of participating stores in person and online. Many businesses will post a public notice or sign indicating that EBT cards are accepted. Some pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens, also accept EBT payment for eligible food items. Additionally, EBT cards can be used at some convenience stores, gas stations, farmers markets, and more. If you’re unsure whether a food seller accepts EBT cards, you can look up the business using the online USDA SNAP Retailer Locator tool.

Check out the SNAP Retail Locator to find physical locations where you can use your CalFresh benefits. You can also use the SNAP Online Locator to find online stores that accept CalFresh benefits.

CalFresh Balance

When are monthly benefits deposited?

The deposit schedule for monthly benefits depends on the last number of your case number:

How can I find my CalFresh account balance?

There are three ways to find your account balance:

1. By phone at 1-877-328-9677
2. Online at www.ebt.ca.gov or the Providers App
3. Printed on your receipt from an EBT/CalFresh purchase

Using ProvidersApp in California

The Providers Website shares information on how to use CalFresh and the Providers App. The app helps with EBT management, mobile banking, benefit updates, discounts, and more!

Using your EBT Card In Person and Online

What can you buy with CalFresh?

You can use CalFresh to buy a variety of food items, including seeds and plants that grow food for your household! Examples include:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)
• Meat, poultry, and fish (fresh, frozen, canned)
• Dairy products (fresh or shelf-stable)
• Breads, cereal, baked goods
• Cake/brownie mixes, ice cream, etc.
• Spices and seasoning
• Honey, sugar, maple syrup, and other sweeteners
• Ketchup, mustards, other condiments
• Seeds and plants (that produce food for the household)

*When buying foods online (e.g., Amazon), products will state if they are EBT eligible.

To learn more about what CalFresh can and cannot buy, check out the FNS SNAP Website.

What is not covered with CalFresh?

CalFresh does not cover:

• Pet food
• Household supplies
• Vitamins
• Prepared foods
• Alcohol
• Beverages without a nutritional facts label

How to use your EBT Card In Person

1. Go to the checkout lane.
2. Swipe your EBT card into the card reader.
3. Choose between Food or Cash. For CalFresh benefits, select Food.
4. Enter your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) and press OK or ENTER.
5. The amount of your purchase will be deducted from your EBT account.

Using CalFresh at UC San Diego

You can use your EBT card at the following locations at UC San Diego:

• The Market at Seventh College
• Roger’s Market
• Earl’s Market at Canyon Vista Marketplace
• Sixth Market
• Sunshine Market
• Target at Price Center

*Notify your cashier at the dining markets when using EBT as they may need to direct you to a different register.

Using your EBT Card Online

Amazon

1. Sign up on Amazon at www.amazon.com/snap.
2. Enter your card number.
3. Start purchasing food with your EBT Card! SNAP EBT Eligible items will be labeled as such.

Instacart

1. Sign up on Instacart at www.instacart.com/ebt-snap.
2. Enter your card number.
3. Start shopping with your EBT Card! Participating stores include ALDI, Cardenas Market, Lucky SuperMarket, Sprouts Farmers Market, and more.

Ralphs

1. Create a Ralphs Account or login to your existing Ralphs Account.
2. Enter your zip code and pick your store.
3. Click Start Shopping.
4. At checkout, choose your preferred pick-up options, select payment card type EBT card, and enter your card number. SNAP EBT balance will be applied to SNAP-eligible items.

Vons

1. Create a Vons Account or login to your existing Vons Account.
2. Update your payment information in your Albertson Account.
3. Add a second payment type for non-SNAP eligible items and fees.
4. Shop for items you need and check out.
5. Place your order and receive an order confirmation with all the details.

Albertson

1. Create an Albertson Account or login to your existing Albertson Account.
2. Update your payment information in your Albertson Account.
3. Add a second payment type for non-SNAP eligible items and fees.
4. Shop for items you need and check out.
5. Place your order and receive an order confirmation with all the details.

Target

1. Create a Target Account or login to your existing Target Account.
2. Update payment information in your Target account. Add payment card type EBT card and enter your card number. SNAP EBT balance will be applied to SNAP-eligible items.

Walmart

1. Create a Walmart Account or login to your existing Walmart Account.
2. Update your payment information in your Walmart account. Add your card information and click Save card. By connecting your EBT card to your account, you’ll be able to use EBT Online with no-basket minimums.

CalFresh Perks & Benefits

Restaurant Meals Program

The Restaurant Meals Program allows elderly, disabled, and homeless individuals and their spouses receiving benefits to use their CalFresh benefits to purchase meals from participating restaurants. CalFresh recipients must qualify and be approved for the RMP before purchasing any cooked meals. Check your local participating San Diego restaurants on the 2-11 RMP map.

SDG&E

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) offers a discount of 30% or more on your monthly bill! Apply now and see if you qualify for either the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. Learn more.

Amazon Prime

Memberships for Amazon Prime are 50% off for qualifying customers with EBT or Medicaid cards, costing $5.99/month*. This includes benefits like Free-Shipping, Whole Foods Market membership discount, and unlimited access to Prime Video/Music. Read more about additional benefits.

Market Match

Market Match is California’s healthy food incentive program, matching customers’ federal nutrition assistance benefits like CalFresh at Farmers’ Markets. They will match up to $10 of your benefits, providing a total of $20 in tokens or vouchers to spend during your visit. Find your nearest participating locations using the Farmers’ Market Finder page.

¡Más Fresco! More Fresh Program

The ¡Más Fresco! More Fresh Program, also known as the Southern California Nutrition Incentive Program, is a partnership between the USDA, University of California, San Diego Center for Community Health, and North

gate González Market. This program provides financial incentives to CalFresh recipients for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables, increasing their purchasing power and overall consumption of healthy foods. Enroll in the ¡Más Fresco! More Fresh Program here.

Museums for All

Visit local participating museums, zoos, and aquariums, like the Birch Aquarium, for free admission or a special discount of $3 admission fee, up to 4 people per visit. Check the Museums for All page for the nearest participating locations.

Federal Lifeline Program

CalFresh recipients with income below a certain level may qualify for free or low-cost home or cell phone service through the Lifeline program. Check out this list of participating California home/cell/internet providers for discounted rates.