CalFresh
The CalFresh program helps families and people who have little or no income buy groceries. CalFresh benefits are not cash. CalFresh benefits come loaded on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that can be used like a bank debit card to buy food at most grocery stores, farmers markets and other places that sell food.
Our staff is available to serve you online, by phone, email, fax, drop-off/mail-in services, and in person. To schedule an appointment to meet with a worker, please call 888-472-4463. Check out the following links for how to:
➡️ CalFresh Emergency Allotments Have Ended ⬅️
Learn more about the end of CalFresh COVID-19 flexibilities here.
If you need extra help, free food is available through Food Share’s weekly pick-up locations and through countywide food pantries:
Find Free Food NOW!
Additionally, older adults ages 60 years+ can join friends for a hot meal at any of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging senior center lunch sites, or homebound seniors can apply to receive home-delivered meals at no cost.
You can use your EBT card to buy groceries online at participating grocery retailers to make shopping easier during these uncertain times. Visit cdss.ca.gov/ebt-online for more details.
To complete your application and for quality control purposes, you may be called by the County of Ventura. Please make sure to update any phone number changes, and please make sure that unknown callers are not blocked so we can reach you.
All Supplemental Nutrition Benefit (SNB) & Transitional Nutrition Benefit (TNB) Recipients: The SNB and TNB benefit amounts increased October 1, 2021. See the Allotment Increase Table for more details. (en español)
- If you are currently receiving CalFresh, you may report all changes at vchsa.org/submit or call your worker at 888-472-4463.
- If you are not currently receiving CalFresh, learn how to apply.
- If you are 60 years or older or have a disability, additional resources can be found at Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
- If you are student you may be eligible for CalFresh, more information.
- Learn more about CalFresh by visiting our CalFresh Data Page.
Resources to Help with Interpretation of Public Charge Rule
Recursos para Ayudar con la Interpretación de la Regla de Carga Pública
CalFresh en el Mercado de Agricultores: Video en español
If you are enrolled in CalFresh, you can double your CalFresh dollars at a certified farmers market through the Market Match Program. To find local farmers market participating in Market Match, go to FMFinder.org. Learn more about Ventura County farmers markets at www.vccfm.org.
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows CalFresh clients who are 60 years or older, people with disabilities, and individuals who are homeless to use their EBT cards to purchase meals from participating restaurants. Ventura County is now recruiting local restaurants for the RMP. Learn more at vchsa.org/rmp.