What is CalFresh?
CalFresh is a nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need. CalFresh dollars help stretch a tight food budget and help many people afford to incorporate healthy foods like fruits and vegetables into their diets. CalFresh is the name of the USDA-funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the state of California. The electronic benefits are a monthly stipend given via a personal Golden State Advantage electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card that looks just like any other debit or credit card.
Background
The program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, also known as the USDA, and is administered through the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). CDSS contracts with community-based organizations to provide CalFresh outreach and application assistance services. USDA funding covers less than one-half of the Center’s total programs costs. The remainder of funding is contributed by local partners through donations and other unrestricted, non-federal funding sources.
For additional information or questions, please contact us at: calfreshoutreach@ucmerced.edu
