FAQ’s
On November 12, 2025, the United States Congress passed a bill that was signed into law that provides full funding for programs previously impacted by the government shutdown through September 30, 2026.
CalFresh (aka SNAP, EBT, Food Stamps)
- What is the latest status of CalFresh/SNAP benefits?
- On November 12, 2025, the United States Congress passed a bill that provides full funding for the SNAP program through September 30, 2026. EBT issuances for CalFresh have been successfully loaded onto your EBT cards.
- New benefits were just added to my EBT card. Can I use them?
- Yes – you can use these benefits like normal. These are your regular CalFresh benefits for November.
- I just applied for CalFresh. When will I get November benefits?
- If you recently applied for CalFresh, your benefits may have been delayed. However, the federal shutdown is over. Therefore, if you are eligible to receive CalFresh, you should receive your benefits soon.
- What if I am due to complete my SAR 7 or renew my CalFresh benefits in November and I haven’t sent in my completed forms yet?
- Please continue to submit all required forms and your recertification as normal.
- My application was submitted for processing. Do I need to re-apply?
- No action is required from you at this time.
- Can I still apply for new CalFresh benefits?
- Yes. You can apply for CalFresh benefits. You can call 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment for application assistance or you can apply online at www.benefitscal.com.
- Where can I find additional food resources in my community?
- Dial 2-1-1 to speak with a trained specialist, 24/7, who can connect you with local food pantries, meal programs, and other essential services. 2-1-1 is available in multiple languages.
- How are CalFresh Benefits funded?
- CalFresh benefits are 100 percent federally funded, and CalFresh administrative costs are split between the federal government and states.
- Are county social services offices still open?
- Yes. County social services office are still open.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
On November 12, 2025, the United States Congress passed a bill that provides full funding for the WIC program through September 30, 2026.
Families should continue to use their WIC benefits and attend their WIC appointments. WIC continues to serve families in California without any disruptions.
For the latest information and guidance on WIC services, visit the MyFamily website.
FREE Student Breakfast and Lunch
- What is the free school breakfast and lunch program?
- Every public and charter school in California must offer one free breakfast and one free lunch to any student who asks for it. This is a rule from a California state law called the Universal Meals Program (also called “School Meals for All”). Meals must be consumed on campus and cannot be taken to go.
- Who is eligible for free meals?
- ALL students—from Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade—who attend a public school or charter school in California are eligible. Your income does not matter.
- Do I need CalFresh benefits to get the free meals?
- NO. Free meals are available to every student in public schools, no matter the income your family earns, your CalFresh status, or what is happening with federal funding.
- Can my child take their meal to go?
- No. Meals must be consumed on campus and cannot be taken to go.
- Does my child have to sign up or use a special code to eat for free?
- Your child just goes to the cafeteria or meal service line and asks for a meal. They do not need to show an ID, sign up, or pay for anything to eat.
- Tip for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers: Even though no sign-up is needed, it helps the school prepare the correct number of meals if you let the school office or your child’s charter school know as soon as possible that your child will be eating free breakfast and/or lunch.
- Should I still fill out the meal application form?
- YES, absolutely! This is one of the most important actions you can take for your family and your school.
- Filling out the form helps because:
- It helps your family. If you qualify, your family will automatically get the SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) food card for summer break, and you may qualify for discounts on things like utility bills and Internet service.
- It saves more funding for the school. The number of qualifying applications helps the district get the maximum money for classrooms, teachers, and other programs.
- How do I submit a form for my child to receive a free breakfast and/or lunch at school?
- The best way to apply is to visit your school district’s official website and search for the Meal Application or Household Income Form.
- If you can’t find it online, call or visit your school’s office and ask them for the application.
- Do I need to submit an application for each of my children?
- You only need to submit one application for your whole household. List all the children who live with you and attend schools within that district on that one application. This information will always be confidential and protected.
Want to Help? Donate Today!
Donate Funds
Donate today to support our partners in purchasing essential food items and expand their programs addressing our community’s growing needs.
Donate Food Items
You can donate food items during hours of operation at specific donation drop-off sites. Our partners encourage you to donate items like canned chicken & tuna, dry & canned beans, cereal, rice, nuts & seeds, peanut butter, canned soup, canned & dried fruit, canned vegetables, powdered milk, and infant formula. Unfortunately, our partners cannot accept glass jars or homemade food products. Check out our partners’ webpages to learn more!
Host a Food Drive
Organizing a food drive is a great way to fight hunger and raise awareness. Each partner has their own process for hosting food drives. Check out their webpages to learn more!
Volunteer
If you have time to donate, you can dedicate your valuable time and energy to supporting food distribution across our region. Learn more about our partners’ volunteer opportunities by clicking below!
