CalFresh Food Assistance

What is this service? 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.

What is the process?

Apply for CalFresh

You can apply for CalFresh in person Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at any County of San Luis Obispo Social Services office.

You can also apply online at GetCalFresh.org or BenefitsCal.

You may also download an application, complete and return mail, FAX or bring the application in to the local County Social Services office. 

For Expedited Services and Minimum Requirements to apply for CalFresh, please click DSS CF 11 (English) / DSS CF 11 (Spanish).

Who is eligible?

Citizens of the United States or noncitizens who are legally residing in the U.S. are eligible to apply for CalFresh. A CalFresh Household may be a family, an individual, or anyone that purchases food and prepares meals together. Generally, you must meet certain residency and income requirements to qualify for the program. Benefits are based on household size and income. Pre-screen to see if you may be eligible or apply at BenefitsCal. There are many myths about CalFresh eligibility. Please don't assume that you can't qualify; talk to us at SLO County DSS.

When and where is this service offered?

It is easy to apply.  Apply in person Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at any County of San Luis Obispo office, online at BenefitsCal or you can download an application, fill it out and either mail, FAX or bring it into your local county office.
    

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

Monday - Friday 8-4; 4-5 by appt only


1086 East Grand Avenue
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Tel: (805) 474-2000

Monday - Friday 8-4; 4-5 by appt only


9630 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422

Tel: (805) 461-6000

Monday - Friday 8-4; 4-5 by appt only


600 Quintana Road
Morro Bay , CA 93442

Tel: (805) 772-6405

Fax: (805) 772-6409

Monday - Friday 8-4; 4-5 by appt only


681 West Tefft Street Suite 1
Nipomo, CA 93444

Tel: (805) 931-1800

Monday - Friday 8-4; 4-5 by appt only


406 Spring Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Tel: (805) 237-3110

Monday - Friday 8-4; 4-5 by appt only


3433 South Higuera
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Tel: (805) 781-1600

FAQS

Yes, there are special rules and deductions for seniors (60 years or older) and disabled people.

You may be able to qualify for CalFresh if you are in college. Even if you do not qualify, others in your household may.

Yes. However, if you're able to work, you may be required to register for job training.

People who live together and purchase food and prepare meals together are grouped as a "household". Husbands and wives and their children under age 22 must be one household.

CalFresh is for eligible individuals & families including older adults. 


 

All CalFresh applications must be processed as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) calendar days following the date the application was filed. 
 

An “unaccompanied youth” term to describe a minor (under age 18) who is living separately from his/her parents or guardians. Unaccompanied youth may be living with others (such as friends) or maybe be homeless or couch surfing. 

Since the CalFresh Program does not have an age requirement, as long as a youth/child is under 18 years, she/he may be able to apply for the CalFresh Program. An “Unaccompanied Youth” can apply for CalFresh on his/her own, when he/she:
 
  • Is not living in same home as his/her parents.
  • Is living where no adult has parental control/authority over him/her.
  • Is determined to be “purchasing, preparing and eating food separately from others.
  • Is not in Foster Care.

Note: If the unaccompanied youth is sharing food and meals with the family or group of people that he/she is living with, then the youth will need to apply for CalFresh with that “household".

CalFresh Expedited Service means you can get your CalFresh in three (3) days if you are eligible by meeting special expedited criteria.  Ask your worker if you are eligible for expedited services.