WIC and CalFresh EBT are Better Together

By March 2023, millions of California families will experience a sudden decrease in CalFresh (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) benefits – the CalFresh Cliff. The emergency funds were previously added by the federal government in 2020 to help families buy groceries during the pandemic, and those additional funds are ending.

On average, families could see a decrease of $82 in monthly benefits, and one-person households could see a loss as high as $258 each month. With the rising cost of food, families are not able to shop for as many groceries with the new amounts they will receive.

CalFresh Families Can Apply for WIC

CalFresh participants who are pregnant or have a child under five qualify for WIC and should participate in both programs. The WIC program does not affect immigration status, show up on credit reports or background checks, and will not hurt employment opportunities.

Signing up for WIC is easy! Appointments are available by phone or in-person at a WIC office. Apply online, call (888) 942-2229 or text APPLY to 91997 to get started.

Shopping for WIC foods is convenient. Families enrolled in WIC can shop for benefits the day they get the WIC card. Benefits are added onto an electronic card each month and viewable through the California WIC App.

WIC food benefits are reliable. Rising grocery prices do not affect WIC benefits. Even if grocery prices go up, you still get the same amount of healthy foods from WIC each month.

Find Food Assistance Programs

Use the resources below to find additional food assistance programs near you. Families enrolled in WIC can apply for other food assistance programs and should not include their participation in WIC as part of their income. For families who do not qualify for WIC, you may be eligible for a different program below. If your income or family size changes, call or text us to reapply!

211 Food Finder
Find local groceries, food pantries, food benefit programs, farmers markets, child/youth nutrition, senior food needs, and meals.  

CalFresh/SNAP
CalFresh, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides monthly food benefits to low-income individuals and families.

Comprehensive Housing Information & Referrals for People (CHIRP) Food Bank Guide
A list of over 120 food banks throughout Los Angeles county.

Department of Public Social Services (DPSS)
Find various food benefit programs and other ways to access food benefits.

Food Oasis Los Angeles
Find food pantries and meal programs in Los Angeles. Search by address or zip code to find free food nearest you.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank Finder
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank distributes food and other essentials to children, seniors, families, and individuals in need. Find your local food pantry.

USDA Summer Meals for Kids
Children up to age 18 who receive free or reduced-price meals school meals can get the nutrition they need when schools are closed. Find nearby meal sites during the summer months. 

211 Orange County
Find local food banks, meal delivery programs, and food assistance programs in Orange County.

CalFresh/SNAP
CalFresh, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides monthly food benefits to low-income individuals and families.

Orange County Free Food Map
A list of local soup kitchens, food pantries, free meals, and more. Search by City or Zip Code to find free food nearest you.

Project Food Box
Medi-Cal members in Orange County with a qualifying health condition may be eligible for a free grocery box delivery.

USDA Summer Meals for Kids
Children up to age 18 who receive free or reduced-price meals school meals can get the nutrition they need when schools are closed. Find nearby meal sites during the summer months.