To help ensure that California children, families, and individuals have access to food during the COVID-19 emergency, Californians who receive CalFresh food assistance can now use their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards to make online food purchases through Amazon and Walmart.
“With schools currently closed throughout California, many students have lost access to meals they normally receive on campus,” said California Department of Social Services Director Kim Johnson. “These additional food benefits will help families put food on the table during this time of great need.”
She said she is working with federal agencies to bring additional retailers on board.
CalFresh recipients can use their EBT cards to buy groceries online just as they would when visiting a retail store. No additional application or verification is needed.
In March, the Department requested a waiver from the federal government to allow EBT card holders to purchase groceries online. The waiver was approved, contingent upon working initially with Amazon and Walmart, which are federally approved retailers.
CalFresh provides more than 4 million Californians with food benefits each month. Benefits for one individual range from $16-$194 per month. CalFresh debit cards are accepted at grocery stores and farmers’ markets statewide.
CalFresh also is available to older adults and people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income.
The best ways to apply are online or by phone:
- Click: GetCalFresh.org to apply online.
- Call: 1-877-847-3663 (FOOD).
Children who are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals at school will receive extra food benefits called Pandemic EBT when schools are closed.
Eligible families will receive up to $365 in total benefits per child, which can be used on food and groceries. Families with children currently enrolled in CalFresh, Medi-Cal or Foster Care, do not need to apply and will receive a P-EBT card in the mail in May. Cards can be used to buy food online.
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For info: www.cdss.ca.gov/pandemic-ebt.