According to Marca, CalFresh is California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), providing monthly financial assistance to low-income individuals and families for purchasing nutritious food. Approximately 4.8 million Californians rely on CalFresh benefits, making California the state with the largest number of SNAP recipients. Nationwide, around 42 million people participate in the program, which is overseen by the Department of Agriculture.
How CalFresh Benefits Are Distributed
CalFresh benefits are distributed electronically through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which operates similarly to a debit card. Cardholders can use their EBT card to purchase approved grocery items at authorized retailers, including grocery stores and farmers’ markets. The card stores the benefit amount electronically and helps improve food security across the state.
EBT cards can be used to buy a variety of food items such as fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, dairy products, and bread. Additionally, recipients can purchase seeds for growing food at home, further promoting access to healthy, nutritious foods.
Restrictions on CalFresh Purchases
While CalFresh aims to support balanced diets and improve access to nutritious food, there are strict limitations on what can and cannot be purchased with an EBT card. Items such as alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, and non-food products (including cleaning supplies, pet food, and cosmetics) are not eligible for purchase.
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Hot prepared foods from restaurants or fast-food outlets are also ineligible. Attempting to purchase prohibited items can lead to restricted or revoked benefits, with potential legal consequences depending on the severity of the violation.
Who Will Receive Their CalFresh Payments This Week?
CalFresh benefits are issued between the 1st and 10th of each month, with distribution based on the final digit of the recipient’s case number. The case number can be found on official paperwork or accessed online via BenefitsCal.
For the month of October, the following recipients will receive their benefits this week:
- Case numbers ending in 6: Benefits available on October 6
- Case numbers ending in 7: Benefits available on October 7
- Case numbers ending in 8: Benefits available on October 8
- Case numbers ending in 9: Benefits available on October 9
- Case numbers ending in 0: Benefits available on October 10
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