Using your Benefits

CalFresh benefits are deposited electronically onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card works the same as an ATM card and is accepted at most grocery stores and farmers markets. It may even be used in certain restaurants for recipients who are homeless, disabled, and/or seniors.

The following items CAN be purchased with CalFresh benefits;

  • Fruits and vegetables.
  • Meat, poultry and fish.
  • Dairy products.
  • Breads and cereals.
  • Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat


The following items CANNOT be purchased with CalFresh benefits;

  • Any non-food items, including pet food, soaps, paper products, household supplies,  grooming items, and cosmetics.
  • Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
  • Energy drinks, vitamins, and medicines.
  • Prepared foods fit for immediate consumption.
  • Hot foods.


Use the Store Locator to find out where you can use your EBT card

You can use your EBT card at most farmers’ markets. Find a participating farmers’ market at FMFinder.org.

Many farmers’ markets offer Market Match where for every CalFresh dollar spent, you can get an extra Market Match dollar to purchase fruits and vegetables. The maximum match level varies by market. At many markets, this means that for every $10 of CalFresh benefits spent, you can get an additional $10 worth of healthy food.

When you visit the farmers’ market make sure to find the market's information booth, or the market manager, and ask how to use your CalFresh EBT card and if the market provides Market Match.

You can check your EBT card balance by;

If your card is stolen or lost, please call 1-877-328-9677 to report it and request a replacement card.

Click here for more information on the EBT card.

Protect yourself against scams, do not share your EBT card or PIN with others. We will never contact you to ask about these details so if you receive any phone calls, texts or emails asking for your information, DO NOT provide it to them.