CalFresh
CalFresh is a federal nutrition program for low-income individuals and families that can help households buy healthy foods and seeds. Formerly known as the food stamp program and federally known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), this program provides a monthly nutrition benefit which is used via an Electronic Benefit Transaction (EBT) card similar to a debit card. The benefit is used to purchase groceries at markets, small retailers and even farmer’s markets.
Thrifty Food Plan
CalFresh maximum allotments (benefit amounts) are updated each year based on the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan in June and take effect on Oct. 1. The Thrifty Food Plan outlines nutrient-dense foods and beverages, their amounts, and associated costs that can be purchased on a limited budget to support a healthy diet through nutritious meals and snacks at home. As directed by Congress in the 2018 Farm Bill, and for the first time since 2006, USDA reevaluated the Thrifty Food Plan in 2021 to reflect updated data on food prices, food composition, and consumption patterns, and current dietary guidance in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.
The following chart outlines the CalFresh maximum benefit allotment increases that follow the updated Thrifty Food Plan.
|
|
|
October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025 |
|
People in Household |
Gross Monthly Income Limit |
CalFresh Maximum Monthly Allotment |
|
1 |
$2,510 |
$292 |
|
2 |
$3,408 |
$536 |
|
3 |
$4,304 |
$768 |
|
4 |
$5,200 |
$975 |
|
5 |
$6,098 |
$1,158 |
|
6 |
$6,994 |
$1,390 |
|
7 |
$7,890 |
$1,536 |
|
8 |
$8,788 |
$1,756 |
|
Each Additional Household Person |
$898 |
$220 |
