Human Services Agency of San Francisco
Department of Aging & Adult Services * Department of Human Services

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How to Apply for CalFresh (Food Stamps) in San Francisco

Applying is easy - You can call the Food Assistance Service Center at (415) 558-1001 or toll-free (877) 366-3076, come by our office at 1235 Mission Street, or visit our website at https://www.benefitscalwin.org.

What Is CalFresh (Food Stamps)?

CalFresh is a benefit that helps low-income people and families buy food. CalFresh is a federally mandated, state-supervised, and county-operated government program designed to eliminate hunger in the United States.

Am I Eligible for CalFresh (Food Stamps)?

Your eligibility is determined by your income and other non-financial eligibility rules. Most people who are enrolled in CalWORKs or the County Adult Assistance Program (CAAP) are eligible, but so are other low-income San Francisco residents.

Where Can I Use CalFresh (Food Stamps)?

In San Francisco, CalFresh benefits are distributed via the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) debit cards, also known as the Golden State Advantage card. The EBT card is like any other debit card, it offers users privacy when making purchases. CalFresh EBT cards can be used to purchase food at many San Francisco grocery stores. In addition, elderly, disabled or homeless CalFresh customers may purchase meals at various San Francisco restaurants through the Restaurant Meals Program at a local farmer's market. You can use this Retailer Locater link to find stores in your area that takes CalFresh benefits http://snap-load-balancer-244858692.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com/index.html  

Finding Closest Retailers That Accept CalFresh EBT Cards

Simply text from your cell phone at (415)889-8650 or go online at www.snapfresh.org and enter your address.  The snapfresh automated system will locate 5 nearest CalFresh retailers for you.

Accessing Healthy and Affordable Food

Help children stay healthy and active with a balance diet. This website,  http://www.letsmove.gov, provides parents helpful resources as how to access healthy and affordable food and make healthy choices.

What Are Emergency Food Boxes?

If you are in need of emergency food while waiting for your CalFresh benefits to begin, we can provide you with an emergency food box to tide you over. Ask about emergency food boxes when you apply for CalFresh.

What if I Have Questions About CalFresh (Food Stamps)?

Call the Food Assistance Service Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at (415) 558-1001.

Fact Sheets

Fact Sheets

• Fact Sheets 2011

CalFresh (Food Stamps) Forms

• Application
• QR7 - Quarterly Eligibility/Status Report
• 377.5 - Mid-Quarter Status Report
• Statement of Facts

For More Information