CalFresh, formerly known as Food Stamps and known federally as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), provides extra funds to help those who are in need each month to buy groceries.

With a CalFresh electronic “debit” card (known as EBT) you can buy most foods at many food stores and farmers markets.

Several Nevada County Farmers Markets offer a CalFresh matching program called Market Money (or Market Match), where you can double your CalFresh dollars up to a specified dollar amount per market per week. Amount may change from year to year.


Apply for CalFresh

Californians can visit BenefitsCal.com or GetCalFresh.org to apply or call 877-847-3663 (FOOD) to be connected to their local county social service office.

CalFresh is a low income program - the gross income limit is 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. However, CalFresh program rules are complex - some income is not countable, and some individuals with income below 200% FPL may not qualify for CalFresh.

If you have a hard time buying enough food for yourself or your family, the best way to find out if you're eligible for CalFresh is to apply online.

ebtEDGE

The ebtEDGE application provides EBT cardholders with increased card/account management tools. It can be downloaded from the app store, or accessed via a web browser.

If food is lost due to power outage or other disaster:

In the case of natural disaster, PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), and some other circumstances, food benefits may possibly be replaced. Application must be filed within 10 days of the end of an event (such as a power shutoff). Counties sometimes extend the application period.

CalFresh recipients can apply to have benefits replaced by submitting the Replacement or Disaster Supplement Affidavit (CF 303) - see below. Nevada County staff say it's best to go in person to your nearest Nevada County Department of Social Services office to apply for replacement benefits. If that is not possible, call 530-265-1340 or email dss@nevadacountyca.gov for specific questions about the CF 303 form and replacement program.

Web pages

• Home - https://calfresh.dss.ca.gov/food/
• EBT Online - https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ebt-online
• ebtEDGE - www.ebt.ca.gov
• How to request Supplemental Disaster Benefits - www.getcalfresh.org/replace
• Apply for/Access your Public Benefits Online (Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKS, Disaster CalFresh, General Assistance) - www.benefitscal.com
• More info about CalFresh - https://www.getcalfresh.org/
• Nevada County Farmers Markets - www.nevadacountyca.gov/1239/Farmers-Market-Schedule
• Federal Poverty Guidelines - https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines

This is a Ready to Grow (R2G) resource. Ready to Grow is a First 5 Nevada County program to connect children 0-5 with services and information that support their well-being. Organizations with programs that have this R2G tag may have additional programs of interest to families.