Second Harvest of Silicon Valley can help you find free groceries at nearby food distributions and pantries, and support you in applying for CalFresh \u2014 also known as SNAP or EBT (formerly called food stamps).<\/p>\n
T\u1ea1i sao vi\u1ec7c k\u1ebft n\u1ed1i ng\u01b0\u1eddi g\u1ecdi v\u1edbi c\u00e1c l\u1ee3i \u00edch c\u1ee7a CalFresh l\u1ea1i quan tr\u1ecdng?<\/p>\n
Director of Services Kelly Chew says it best: \u201cCalFresh is a great solution because it gives you the most flexibility to buy your preferred foods. CalFresh can add to your food budget to put nutritious food on the table. You can use CalFresh at so many stores and even online. CalFresh is the best solution to addressing hunger in general. It is supplemental to our food. Given recent policy changes to CalFresh eligibility and work requirements, it can feel confusing to apply. Second Harvest is here to help you navigate through the whole process.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>
![\"Spring](\"https:\/\/www.shfb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/distribution-groceries.jpg\" "\\"ph\u00e2n")
<\/span><\/div>CalFresh l\u00e0 g\u00ec?<\/h2>\n\nCalFresh (tr\u01b0\u1edbc \u0111\u00e2y \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c g\u1ecdi l\u00e0 phi\u1ebfu th\u1ef1c ph\u1ea9m) gi\u00fap nh\u1eefng ng\u01b0\u1eddi c\u00f3 thu nh\u1eadp h\u1ea1n ch\u1ebf tr\u1ea3 ti\u1ec1n mua th\u1ef1c ph\u1ea9m. CalFresh c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c s\u1eed d\u1ee5ng t\u1ea1i h\u1ea7u h\u1ebft c\u00e1c c\u1eeda h\u00e0ng t\u1ea1p h\u00f3a, khi \u0111\u1eb7t h\u00e0ng tr\u1ef1c tuy\u1ebfn t\u1ea1i m\u1ed9t s\u1ed1 nh\u00e0 b\u00e1n l\u1ebb \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c ch\u1ecdn v\u00e0 t\u1ea1i c\u00e1c ch\u1ee3 n\u00f4ng s\u1ea3n ch\u1ea5p nh\u1eadn th\u1ebb Chuy\u1ec3n kho\u1ea3n Ph\u00fac l\u1ee3i \u0110i\u1ec7n t\u1eed (EBT). C\u00e1c quy\u1ec1n l\u1ee3i \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c cung c\u1ea5p tr\u00ean th\u1ebb EBT ho\u1ea1t \u0111\u1ed9ng gi\u1ed1ng nh\u01b0 th\u1ebb ghi n\u1ee3. Quy\u1ec1n l\u1ee3i CalFresh kh\u00f4ng ph\u1ea3i l\u00e0 m\u1ed9t kho\u1ea3n cho vay v\u00e0 kh\u00f4ng c\u1ea7n ph\u1ea3i tr\u1ea3 l\u1ea1i.<\/p>\n
CalFresh is a federally funded nutrition program, known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outside of California. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which also funds free lunches at schools and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). CalFresh is not the same as CalWORKs or welfare.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
How can I use CalFresh benefits?<\/h2>\n
The amount of money you get from CalFresh changes depending on your gross income, net income and household size. Second Harvest can help you understand what you are eligible for and how to get the most out of your benefits.<\/p>\n
For the current cycle started October 1, 2025, the CalFresh minimum monthly benefit is $24 and the maximum benefit can be as high as $994 for a family of four. With any CalFresh benefit amount, you can buy fresh, healthy food at most stores and farmers markets. You can s\u1eed d\u1ee5ng danh s\u00e1ch mua s\u1eafm n\u00e0y v\u00e0 c\u00f4ng th\u1ee9c n\u1ea5u \u0103n c\u1ee7a ch\u00fang t\u00f4i<\/a> to make eight nutritious and filling meals for under $24!<\/p>\n<\/div>T\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 \u0111\u0103ng k\u00fd CalFresh b\u1eb1ng c\u00e1ch n\u00e0o?<\/h2>\n
Our Food Connection team can help answer your questions directly and help you apply. We can also help you estimate the monthly benefits you may receive to help you decide if you\u2019d like to go through the application process. Visit our \u0110\u0103ng k\u00fd trang CalFresh<\/a> to learn more, make an application appointment, or apply on your own.<\/p>\nSecond Harvest helps you submit your application to the county you live in. Your county, not Second Harvest, is responsible for reviewing applications and administering benefits.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Why apply with Second Harvest instead of on my own?<\/h2>\n
Second Harvest makes the process easier for you and supports you every step of the way. We can upload and submit documents on your behalf and our team can follow up throughout the entire application process so nothing falls through the cracks.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re experts. Our staff work on CalFresh applications every day and we can answer any questions you have, clarify confusing requirements, and make sure your application is as strong as possible.<\/p>\n
We are your advocates. If any issues arise, we\u2019ll work directly with the county on your behalf to resolve and follow up as needed.<\/p>\n
We can connect you to even more free food resources beyond CalFresh. CalFresh is meant to complement our free food distributions. You can use both programs as needed.<\/p>\n<\/div>
What should I expect after I apply?<\/h2>\n
Th\u0103m c\u1ee7a ch\u00fang t\u00f4i Trang CalFresh<\/a> to understand what to expect in the application process. Expect a phone call or mail from the county office within 14 days of submitting your application.<\/p>\n<\/div>Get your benefits<\/h2>\n
If you are approved for CalFresh, you will get an EBT card in the mail for groceries within 10 days of approval.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Buy groceries<\/h2>\n
You can start using your EBT card as soon as you receive it in the mail. EBT cards work in most food stores, online and at some farmers markets. Use it like any normal debit card.<\/p>\n<\/div>
![\"Claribel,](\"https:\/\/www.shfb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/CalFresh-Food-Connection-Calaribel-Bilingula-in-Spanish-and-English.jpg\" "\\"CalFresh")
<\/span><\/div>\n\u201cI really appreciate our job because we get to explain to clients why certain questions are asked on CalFresh applications. We can tell them their options. We empower them.\u201d \u2013 Claribel, bilingual in Spanish and English<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>
M\u1ed9t s\u1ed1 l\u1ee3i \u00edch kh\u00e1c khi \u0111\u0103ng k\u00fd CalFresh l\u00e0 g\u00ec?<\/h2>\n
B\u1eb1ng c\u00e1ch \u0111\u0103ng k\u00fd CalFresh, b\u1ea1n \u0111\u1ee7 \u0111i\u1ec1u ki\u1ec7n tham gia c\u00e1c ch\u01b0\u01a1ng tr\u00ecnh mi\u1ec5n ph\u00ed ho\u1eb7c gi\u1ea3m gi\u00e1 kh\u00e1c, bao g\u1ed3m:<\/p>\n
\n- Gi\u1ea3m gi\u00e1 c\u00e1c ti\u1ec7n \u00edch nh\u01b0 PG&E <\/a>v\u00e0 \u0111i\u1ec7n tho\u1ea1i<\/a> d\u1ecbch v\u1ee5<\/li>\n
- V\u1eadn chuy\u1ec3n gi\u1ea3m gi\u00e1<\/a> tr\u00ean BART, SamTrans, CalTrain v\u00e0 Bikes for All<\/li>\n
- V\u00e0o c\u1eeda mi\u1ec5n ph\u00ed ho\u1eb7c gi\u1ea3m gi\u00e1 vi\u1ec7n b\u1ea3o t\u00e0ng<\/a> tr\u00ean kh\u1eafp Hoa K\u1ef3, c\u0169ng nh\u01b0 c\u00e1c C\u00f4ng vi\u00ean Ti\u1ec3u bang California<\/li>\n
- Market Match, cung c\u1ea5p c\u00e1c kho\u1ea3n ti\u1ec1n ph\u00f9 h\u1ee3p \u0111\u1ec3 kh\u00e1ch h\u00e0ng c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 mua nhi\u1ec1u tr\u00e1i c\u00e2y v\u00e0 rau qu\u1ea3 h\u01a1n t\u1ea1i c\u00e1c ch\u1ee3 n\u00f4ng s\u1ea3n tham gia. T\u00ecm hi\u1ec3u th\u00eam t\u1ea1i MarketMatch.com<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
T\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 mua g\u00ec b\u1eb1ng th\u1ebb CalFresh EBT c\u1ee7a m\u00ecnh?<\/h2>\n
CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase any food with the exception of pre-made heated foods. CalFresh cannot be used to buy non-food items such as diapers, beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco.<\/p>\n<\/div>
B\u1ea1n c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c bao nhi\u00eau t\u1eeb CalFresh?<\/h2>\n
California releases its maximum CalFresh Allotments every fiscal year. For the current cycle started October 1, 2025, the maximum monthly amounts are as follows:<\/p>\n
\n\n\n\n\tNh\u1eefng ng\u01b0\u1eddi trong h\u1ed9 gia \u0111\u00ecnh<\/th> Thu nh\u1eadp h\u1eb1ng th\u00e1ng<\/th> Thu nh\u1eadp r\u00f2ng h\u00e0ng th\u00e1ng<\/th> Ph\u00e2n b\u1ed5 CalFresh T\u1ed1i \u0111a<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\n\t1<\/td> $2,610<\/td> $1,305<\/td> $298<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t2<\/td> $3,526<\/td> $1,763<\/td> $546<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t3<\/td> $4,442<\/td> $2,221<\/td> $785<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t4<\/td> $5,360<\/td> $2,680<\/td> $994<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t5<\/td> $6,276<\/td> $3,138<\/td> $1,183<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t6<\/td> $7,192<\/td> $3,596<\/td> $1,421<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t7<\/td> $8,110<\/td> $4,055<\/td> $1,571<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t8<\/td> $9,026<\/td> $4,513<\/td> $1,789<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\tM\u1ed7i th\u00e0nh vi\u00ean b\u1ed5 sung<\/td> $918<\/td> $459<\/td> $218<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/center><\/p>\n<\/div>T\u00f4i c\u00f3 ph\u1ea3i tr\u1ea3 l\u1ea1i CalFresh kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
No, you will not have to pay any money back unless you are accidentally overpaid.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Will I lose my benefits if I don\u2019t use the full amount each month?<\/h2>\n
You will not lose your benefits. Any balance remaining on your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card will stay on your card until you spend it. Your benefits won’t be adjusted or reduced because you aren’t using the full amount every month.<\/p>\n<\/div>
CalFresh c\u00f3 \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c t\u00ednh l\u00e0 thu nh\u1eadp kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
Kh\u00f4ng, vi\u1ec7c ph\u00e2n b\u1ed5 CalFresh \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c th\u1ef1c hi\u1ec7n cho m\u1ed7i h\u1ed9 gia \u0111\u00ecnh kh\u00f4ng \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c t\u00ednh l\u00e0 thu nh\u1eadp ch\u1ecbu thu\u1ebf.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Do I have to pay taxes on CalFresh?<\/h2>\n
No, you do not need to pay taxes on or report CalFresh on your tax return.<\/p>\n<\/div>
T\u00f4i c\u00f3 c\u1ea7n xu\u1ea5t tr\u00ecnh b\u1eb1ng ch\u1ee9ng v\u1ec1 thu nh\u1eadp khi n\u1ed9p \u0111\u01a1n xin CalFresh kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
Earned and unearned income must be reported. Second Harvest Food Connection team can help you figure out what verification documents you need and can submit them on your behalf with your application.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Does my income or other benefits impact my ability to get CalFresh?<\/h2>\n
You can get CalFresh even if you get money from a job, disability, unemployment, Social Security, CalWORKs, General Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or retirement. Your eligibility and benefit amount is determined based on your income and expenses for your household size.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n\u201cClients will say to me, \u2018I\u2019ve been working here my whole life, and I never knew about CalFresh.\u2019 They never knew there was this benefit. One client was already 67 when they learned about CalFresh. They lost their job at 60 and said they had no income at all. Those calls are very emotional.\u201d \u2013 Anita Li, fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, Taishanese<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"Anita](\"https:\/\/www.shfb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Anita-Li-Headshot.jpg\" "\\"Anita")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>CalFresh c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 \u1ea3nh h\u01b0\u1edfng \u0111\u1ebfn t\u00ecnh tr\u1ea1ng nh\u1eadp c\u01b0 c\u1ee7a t\u00f4i kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
If you are concerned that applying for CalFresh will affect your immigration status, please schedule an appointment to talk to a Second Harvest staff member. We can discuss all available food assistance options with you.<\/p>\n<\/div>
T\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn CalFresh n\u1ebfu t\u00f4i kh\u00f4ng c\u00f3 con kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
C\u00f3, nh\u1eefng ng\u01b0\u1eddi ch\u01b0a c\u00f3 con c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c CalFresh.<\/p>\n<\/div>
T\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn CalFresh khi l\u00e0 sinh vi\u00ean \u0111\u1ea1i h\u1ecdc kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
C\u00f3, nhi\u1ec1u sinh vi\u00ean \u0111\u1ea1i h\u1ecdc c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c CalFresh n\u1ebfu h\u1ecd \u0111\u00e1p \u1ee9ng c\u00e1c y\u00eau c\u1ea7u c\u1ee7a sinh vi\u00ean.<\/p>\n<\/div>
T\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn CalFresh n\u1ebfu t\u00f4i kh\u00f4ng ph\u1ea3i l\u00e0 c\u01b0 d\u00e2n ho\u1eb7c c\u00f4ng d\u00e2n h\u1ee3p ph\u00e1p kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
\u0110\u1ec3 \u0111\u1ee7 \u0111i\u1ec1u ki\u1ec7n, \u00edt nh\u1ea5t m\u1ed9t th\u00e0nh vi\u00ean trong gia \u0111\u00ecnh ph\u1ea3i l\u00e0 c\u01b0 d\u00e2n ho\u1eb7c c\u00f4ng d\u00e2n h\u1ee3p ph\u00e1p, ngay c\u1ea3 khi ng\u01b0\u1eddi \u0111\u00f3 l\u00e0 tr\u1ebb em. Nh\u1eefng ng\u01b0\u1eddi nh\u1eadp c\u01b0 \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c t\u00e0i tr\u1ee3 c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 \u0111\u1ee7 \u0111i\u1ec1u ki\u1ec7n.<\/p>\n<\/div>
T\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn CalFresh n\u1ebfu t\u00f4i s\u1edf h\u1eefu nh\u00e0 ri\u00eang ho\u1eb7c \u00f4 t\u00f4 c\u1ee7a m\u00ecnh kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
C\u00f3, b\u1ea1n c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 s\u1edf h\u1eefu nh\u00e0 ho\u1eb7c xe h\u01a1i c\u1ee7a b\u1ea1n v\u00e0 c\u00f3 ti\u1ec1n ti\u1ebft ki\u1ec7m m\u00e0 v\u1eabn \u0111\u1ee7 \u0111i\u1ec1u ki\u1ec7n.<\/p>\n<\/div>
T\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 \u0111\u0103ng k\u00fd l\u1ea1i CalFresh n\u1ebfu b\u1ecb t\u1eeb ch\u1ed1i kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
Yes, even if you have applied for CalFresh before and were denied, we encourage you to try again. Income requirements are adjusted every year, and your personal household situation may have changed since you last applied.<\/p>\n<\/div>
CalFresh c\u00f3 l\u1ea5y d\u1ea5u v\u00e2n tay c\u1ee7a t\u00f4i kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
Kh\u00f4ng, b\u1ea1n kh\u00f4ng c\u1ea7n ph\u1ea3i l\u1ea5y d\u1ea5u v\u00e2n tay \u0111\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn CalFresh.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"Patrick,](\"https:\/\/www.shfb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Patrick-Food-Connection-Staff-e1653494078585.jpg\" "\\"Patrick")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\u201cI like when people tell me <\/span><\/span><\/span>about the <\/span><\/span><\/span>meals th<\/span><\/span><\/span>ey made for their family after <\/span><\/span><\/span>receiving CalFresh<\/span><\/span><\/span>. <\/span><\/span><\/span>It makes me feel good to <\/span><\/span><\/span>know that we <\/span><\/span><\/span>played <\/span><\/span><\/span>a small part in bringing <\/span><\/span><\/span>nourishment and <\/span><\/span><\/span>comfort to <\/span><\/span><\/span>their table <\/span><\/span><\/span>during <\/span>a difficult time<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u201c .<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>\u2014 Patrick, bilingual in Tagalog and English<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>S\u1ed1ng \u1edf \u0111\u00e2y r\u1ea5t \u0111\u1eaft. Kh\u00f4ng nh\u1ea5t thi\u1ebft ph\u1ea3i c\u00f3 th\u1ef1c ph\u1ea9m l\u00e0nh m\u1ea1nh.<\/h2>\n
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley’s Food Connection hotline has been a lifeline for people seeking nutritious food since 1988. Hotline staff connect callers to sources of free food near where they live and work and can help callers apply for CalFresh benefits. Hotline staff speak English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin and Tagalog. Three-way interpretation is available for other languages so we can serve anyone who needs help. Last year we received an average of 188 calls per day.<\/p>\n
\u0110\u1ec3 bi\u1ebft th\u00eam th\u00f4ng tin v\u1ec1 CalFresh, h\u00e3y g\u1ecdi \u0111\u01b0\u1eddng d\u00e2y n\u00f3ng c\u1ee7a Second Harvest Food Connection t\u1ea1i 1-800-984-3663<\/a>.<\/p>\nG\u1ecdi cho ch\u00fang t\u00f4i t\u1eeb Th\u1ee9 Hai \u0111\u1ebfn Th\u1ee9 S\u00e1u, 8 gi\u1edd s\u00e1ng \u0111\u1ebfn 5 gi\u1edd chi\u1ec1u theo gi\u1edd PST. Ch\u00fang t\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 tr\u1ea3 l\u1eddi c\u00e2u h\u1ecfi c\u1ee7a b\u1ea1n v\u00e0 gi\u00fap b\u1ea1n \u0111\u0103ng k\u00fd.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
CalFresh (tr\u01b0\u1edbc \u0111\u00e2y \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c g\u1ecdi l\u00e0 phi\u1ebfu th\u1ef1c ph\u1ea9m) gi\u00fap nh\u1eefng ng\u01b0\u1eddi c\u00f3 thu nh\u1eadp h\u1ea1n ch\u1ebf tr\u1ea3 ti\u1ec1n mua th\u1ef1c ph\u1ea9m. CalFresh c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c s\u1eed d\u1ee5ng t\u1ea1i h\u1ea7u h\u1ebft c\u00e1c c\u1eeda h\u00e0ng t\u1ea1p h\u00f3a, khi \u0111\u1eb7t h\u00e0ng tr\u1ef1c tuy\u1ebfn t\u1ea1i m\u1ed9t s\u1ed1 nh\u00e0 b\u00e1n l\u1ebb \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c ch\u1ecdn v\u00e0 t\u1ea1i c\u00e1c ch\u1ee3 n\u00f4ng s\u1ea3n ch\u1ea5p nh\u1eadn th\u1ebb Chuy\u1ec3n kho\u1ea3n Ph\u00fac l\u1ee3i \u0110i\u1ec7n t\u1eed (EBT). C\u00e1c quy\u1ec1n l\u1ee3i \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c cung c\u1ea5p tr\u00ean th\u1ebb EBT ho\u1ea1t \u0111\u1ed9ng gi\u1ed1ng nh\u01b0 th\u1ebb ghi n\u1ee3. Quy\u1ec1n l\u1ee3i CalFresh kh\u00f4ng ph\u1ea3i l\u00e0 m\u1ed9t kho\u1ea3n cho vay v\u00e0 kh\u00f4ng c\u1ea7n ph\u1ea3i tr\u1ea3 l\u1ea1i.<\/p>\n
CalFresh is a federally funded nutrition program, known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outside of California. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which also funds free lunches at schools and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). CalFresh is not the same as CalWORKs or welfare.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
How can I use CalFresh benefits?<\/h2>\n
The amount of money you get from CalFresh changes depending on your gross income, net income and household size. Second Harvest can help you understand what you are eligible for and how to get the most out of your benefits.<\/p>\n
For the current cycle started October 1, 2025, the CalFresh minimum monthly benefit is $24 and the maximum benefit can be as high as $994 for a family of four. With any CalFresh benefit amount, you can buy fresh, healthy food at most stores and farmers markets. You can s\u1eed d\u1ee5ng danh s\u00e1ch mua s\u1eafm n\u00e0y v\u00e0 c\u00f4ng th\u1ee9c n\u1ea5u \u0103n c\u1ee7a ch\u00fang t\u00f4i<\/a> to make eight nutritious and filling meals for under $24!<\/p>\n<\/div> Our Food Connection team can help answer your questions directly and help you apply. We can also help you estimate the monthly benefits you may receive to help you decide if you\u2019d like to go through the application process. Visit our \u0110\u0103ng k\u00fd trang CalFresh<\/a> to learn more, make an application appointment, or apply on your own.<\/p>\n Second Harvest helps you submit your application to the county you live in. Your county, not Second Harvest, is responsible for reviewing applications and administering benefits.<\/p>\n<\/div> Second Harvest makes the process easier for you and supports you every step of the way. We can upload and submit documents on your behalf and our team can follow up throughout the entire application process so nothing falls through the cracks.<\/p>\n We\u2019re experts. Our staff work on CalFresh applications every day and we can answer any questions you have, clarify confusing requirements, and make sure your application is as strong as possible.<\/p>\n We are your advocates. If any issues arise, we\u2019ll work directly with the county on your behalf to resolve and follow up as needed.<\/p>\n We can connect you to even more free food resources beyond CalFresh. CalFresh is meant to complement our free food distributions. You can use both programs as needed.<\/p>\n<\/div> Th\u0103m c\u1ee7a ch\u00fang t\u00f4i Trang CalFresh<\/a> to understand what to expect in the application process. Expect a phone call or mail from the county office within 14 days of submitting your application.<\/p>\n<\/div> If you are approved for CalFresh, you will get an EBT card in the mail for groceries within 10 days of approval.<\/p>\n<\/div> You can start using your EBT card as soon as you receive it in the mail. EBT cards work in most food stores, online and at some farmers markets. Use it like any normal debit card.<\/p>\n<\/div> \u201cI really appreciate our job because we get to explain to clients why certain questions are asked on CalFresh applications. We can tell them their options. We empower them.\u201d \u2013 Claribel, bilingual in Spanish and English<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div> B\u1eb1ng c\u00e1ch \u0111\u0103ng k\u00fd CalFresh, b\u1ea1n \u0111\u1ee7 \u0111i\u1ec1u ki\u1ec7n tham gia c\u00e1c ch\u01b0\u01a1ng tr\u00ecnh mi\u1ec5n ph\u00ed ho\u1eb7c gi\u1ea3m gi\u00e1 kh\u00e1c, bao g\u1ed3m:<\/p>\n CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase any food with the exception of pre-made heated foods. CalFresh cannot be used to buy non-food items such as diapers, beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco.<\/p>\n<\/div> California releases its maximum CalFresh Allotments every fiscal year. For the current cycle started October 1, 2025, the maximum monthly amounts are as follows:<\/p>\n No, you will not have to pay any money back unless you are accidentally overpaid.<\/p>\n<\/div> You will not lose your benefits. Any balance remaining on your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card will stay on your card until you spend it. Your benefits won’t be adjusted or reduced because you aren’t using the full amount every month.<\/p>\n<\/div> Kh\u00f4ng, vi\u1ec7c ph\u00e2n b\u1ed5 CalFresh \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c th\u1ef1c hi\u1ec7n cho m\u1ed7i h\u1ed9 gia \u0111\u00ecnh kh\u00f4ng \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c t\u00ednh l\u00e0 thu nh\u1eadp ch\u1ecbu thu\u1ebf.<\/p>\n<\/div> No, you do not need to pay taxes on or report CalFresh on your tax return.<\/p>\n<\/div> Earned and unearned income must be reported. Second Harvest Food Connection team can help you figure out what verification documents you need and can submit them on your behalf with your application.<\/p>\n<\/div> You can get CalFresh even if you get money from a job, disability, unemployment, Social Security, CalWORKs, General Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or retirement. Your eligibility and benefit amount is determined based on your income and expenses for your household size.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> \u201cClients will say to me, \u2018I\u2019ve been working here my whole life, and I never knew about CalFresh.\u2019 They never knew there was this benefit. One client was already 67 when they learned about CalFresh. They lost their job at 60 and said they had no income at all. Those calls are very emotional.\u201d \u2013 Anita Li, fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, Taishanese<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> If you are concerned that applying for CalFresh will affect your immigration status, please schedule an appointment to talk to a Second Harvest staff member. We can discuss all available food assistance options with you.<\/p>\n<\/div> C\u00f3, nh\u1eefng ng\u01b0\u1eddi ch\u01b0a c\u00f3 con c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c CalFresh.<\/p>\n<\/div> C\u00f3, nhi\u1ec1u sinh vi\u00ean \u0111\u1ea1i h\u1ecdc c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c CalFresh n\u1ebfu h\u1ecd \u0111\u00e1p \u1ee9ng c\u00e1c y\u00eau c\u1ea7u c\u1ee7a sinh vi\u00ean.<\/p>\n<\/div> \u0110\u1ec3 \u0111\u1ee7 \u0111i\u1ec1u ki\u1ec7n, \u00edt nh\u1ea5t m\u1ed9t th\u00e0nh vi\u00ean trong gia \u0111\u00ecnh ph\u1ea3i l\u00e0 c\u01b0 d\u00e2n ho\u1eb7c c\u00f4ng d\u00e2n h\u1ee3p ph\u00e1p, ngay c\u1ea3 khi ng\u01b0\u1eddi \u0111\u00f3 l\u00e0 tr\u1ebb em. Nh\u1eefng ng\u01b0\u1eddi nh\u1eadp c\u01b0 \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c t\u00e0i tr\u1ee3 c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 \u0111\u1ee7 \u0111i\u1ec1u ki\u1ec7n.<\/p>\n<\/div> C\u00f3, b\u1ea1n c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 s\u1edf h\u1eefu nh\u00e0 ho\u1eb7c xe h\u01a1i c\u1ee7a b\u1ea1n v\u00e0 c\u00f3 ti\u1ec1n ti\u1ebft ki\u1ec7m m\u00e0 v\u1eabn \u0111\u1ee7 \u0111i\u1ec1u ki\u1ec7n.<\/p>\n<\/div> Yes, even if you have applied for CalFresh before and were denied, we encourage you to try again. Income requirements are adjusted every year, and your personal household situation may have changed since you last applied.<\/p>\n<\/div> Kh\u00f4ng, b\u1ea1n kh\u00f4ng c\u1ea7n ph\u1ea3i l\u1ea5y d\u1ea5u v\u00e2n tay \u0111\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn CalFresh.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> \u201cI like when people tell me <\/span><\/span><\/span>about the <\/span><\/span><\/span>meals th<\/span><\/span><\/span>ey made for their family after <\/span><\/span><\/span>receiving CalFresh<\/span><\/span><\/span>. <\/span><\/span><\/span>It makes me feel good to <\/span><\/span><\/span>know that we <\/span><\/span><\/span>played <\/span><\/span><\/span>a small part in bringing <\/span><\/span><\/span>nourishment and <\/span><\/span><\/span>comfort to <\/span><\/span><\/span>their table <\/span><\/span><\/span>during <\/span>a difficult time<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u201c .<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> Second Harvest of Silicon Valley’s Food Connection hotline has been a lifeline for people seeking nutritious food since 1988. Hotline staff connect callers to sources of free food near where they live and work and can help callers apply for CalFresh benefits. Hotline staff speak English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin and Tagalog. Three-way interpretation is available for other languages so we can serve anyone who needs help. Last year we received an average of 188 calls per day.<\/p>\n \u0110\u1ec3 bi\u1ebft th\u00eam th\u00f4ng tin v\u1ec1 CalFresh, h\u00e3y g\u1ecdi \u0111\u01b0\u1eddng d\u00e2y n\u00f3ng c\u1ee7a Second Harvest Food Connection t\u1ea1i 1-800-984-3663<\/a>.<\/p>\n G\u1ecdi cho ch\u00fang t\u00f4i t\u1eeb Th\u1ee9 Hai \u0111\u1ebfn Th\u1ee9 S\u00e1u, 8 gi\u1edd s\u00e1ng \u0111\u1ebfn 5 gi\u1edd chi\u1ec1u theo gi\u1edd PST. Ch\u00fang t\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 tr\u1ea3 l\u1eddi c\u00e2u h\u1ecfi c\u1ee7a b\u1ea1n v\u00e0 gi\u00fap b\u1ea1n \u0111\u0103ng k\u00fd.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>T\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 \u0111\u0103ng k\u00fd CalFresh b\u1eb1ng c\u00e1ch n\u00e0o?<\/h2>\n
Why apply with Second Harvest instead of on my own?<\/h2>\n
What should I expect after I apply?<\/h2>\n
Get your benefits<\/h2>\n
Buy groceries<\/h2>\n
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M\u1ed9t s\u1ed1 l\u1ee3i \u00edch kh\u00e1c khi \u0111\u0103ng k\u00fd CalFresh l\u00e0 g\u00ec?<\/h2>\n
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T\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 mua g\u00ec b\u1eb1ng th\u1ebb CalFresh EBT c\u1ee7a m\u00ecnh?<\/h2>\n
B\u1ea1n c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c bao nhi\u00eau t\u1eeb CalFresh?<\/h2>\n
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\n\t \nNh\u1eefng ng\u01b0\u1eddi trong h\u1ed9 gia \u0111\u00ecnh<\/th> Thu nh\u1eadp h\u1eb1ng th\u00e1ng<\/th> Thu nh\u1eadp r\u00f2ng h\u00e0ng th\u00e1ng<\/th> Ph\u00e2n b\u1ed5 CalFresh T\u1ed1i \u0111a<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\t 1<\/td> $2,610<\/td> $1,305<\/td> $298<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t 2<\/td> $3,526<\/td> $1,763<\/td> $546<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t 3<\/td> $4,442<\/td> $2,221<\/td> $785<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t 4<\/td> $5,360<\/td> $2,680<\/td> $994<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t 5<\/td> $6,276<\/td> $3,138<\/td> $1,183<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t 6<\/td> $7,192<\/td> $3,596<\/td> $1,421<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t 7<\/td> $8,110<\/td> $4,055<\/td> $1,571<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t 8<\/td> $9,026<\/td> $4,513<\/td> $1,789<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t M\u1ed7i th\u00e0nh vi\u00ean b\u1ed5 sung<\/td> $918<\/td> $459<\/td> $218<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/center><\/p>\n<\/div> T\u00f4i c\u00f3 ph\u1ea3i tr\u1ea3 l\u1ea1i CalFresh kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
Will I lose my benefits if I don\u2019t use the full amount each month?<\/h2>\n
CalFresh c\u00f3 \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c t\u00ednh l\u00e0 thu nh\u1eadp kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
Do I have to pay taxes on CalFresh?<\/h2>\n
T\u00f4i c\u00f3 c\u1ea7n xu\u1ea5t tr\u00ecnh b\u1eb1ng ch\u1ee9ng v\u1ec1 thu nh\u1eadp khi n\u1ed9p \u0111\u01a1n xin CalFresh kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
Does my income or other benefits impact my ability to get CalFresh?<\/h2>\n
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<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>CalFresh c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 \u1ea3nh h\u01b0\u1edfng \u0111\u1ebfn t\u00ecnh tr\u1ea1ng nh\u1eadp c\u01b0 c\u1ee7a t\u00f4i kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
T\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn CalFresh n\u1ebfu t\u00f4i kh\u00f4ng c\u00f3 con kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
T\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn CalFresh khi l\u00e0 sinh vi\u00ean \u0111\u1ea1i h\u1ecdc kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
T\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn CalFresh n\u1ebfu t\u00f4i kh\u00f4ng ph\u1ea3i l\u00e0 c\u01b0 d\u00e2n ho\u1eb7c c\u00f4ng d\u00e2n h\u1ee3p ph\u00e1p kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
T\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 nh\u1eadn CalFresh n\u1ebfu t\u00f4i s\u1edf h\u1eefu nh\u00e0 ri\u00eang ho\u1eb7c \u00f4 t\u00f4 c\u1ee7a m\u00ecnh kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
T\u00f4i c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 \u0111\u0103ng k\u00fd l\u1ea1i CalFresh n\u1ebfu b\u1ecb t\u1eeb ch\u1ed1i kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
CalFresh c\u00f3 l\u1ea5y d\u1ea5u v\u00e2n tay c\u1ee7a t\u00f4i kh\u00f4ng?<\/h2>\n
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>\u2014 Patrick, bilingual in Tagalog and English<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>S\u1ed1ng \u1edf \u0111\u00e2y r\u1ea5t \u0111\u1eaft. Kh\u00f4ng nh\u1ea5t thi\u1ebft ph\u1ea3i c\u00f3 th\u1ef1c ph\u1ea9m l\u00e0nh m\u1ea1nh.<\/h2>\n