A balanced, nutritious diet is vital to your health — which makes CalFresh vital to our community. This program helps those who need the extra money to buy all the food they need to be healthy. Funds are given on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to use at grocery stores, supermarkets and farmers markets. The amount people get is based on their household size, income and monthly expenses.
If you need extra help paying for food, apply to CalFresh
Around 34,000 San Mateo County residents get CalFresh benefits, including nearly 11,000 children.
May is CalFresh Awareness Month, and we’re joining other San Mateo County groups in encouraging people to apply for CalFresh benefits. Those who qualify may even be able to double their CalFresh benefits when shopping at farmers markets by also applying for the Market Match program when applying for CalFresh.
Three ways to learn more about CalFresh and apply for benefits
- Meet CalFresh outreach teams at community events across San Mateo County throughout May.
- Visit the BenefitsCal website.
- Call the Human Services Agency Service Center at 1-800-223-8383 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Find even more nutrition resources with HPSM's Guide to Food Assistance Programs.