Choose CalFresh for Good Nutrition

CalFresh (formerly known as food stamps) is a nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need for good health. It is a federal nutrition program guaranteed to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements, similar to Social Security or Medicare.

Households who apply and begin receiving assistance, receive a set amount of money each month through their EBT cards (looks and works just like a debit card), which can be spent at local grocery stores and farmers' markets.

People can also use CalFresh to expand or start their own food garden! CalFresh can be used to purchase seeds and plant starts that produce food.

How much can I receive in CalFresh?

The maximum amount of CalFresh depends on household size and can be found as follows (keep in mind the average amount is less):

Household Size	1	2	3	4	5	6
Max Amount	$200	$367	$526	$668	$793	$952

Do I Qualify for CalFresh?

You may qualify for CalFresh if you can answer "yes" to both of these questions:

1) Are you OR at least one of your children a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident?*

2) Is your household's GROSS monthly income within the limits in the chart below? (If a household member is 60 or older or permanently disabled, the income limit will be higher.)

Household Size	GROSS MONTHLY INCOME	Household Size	GROSS MONTHLY INCOME
1	$1174	5	$2794
2	$1579	6	$3200
3	$1984	7	$3605
4	$2389	Add $406 for each additional member

*Any U.S. citizen or legal resident who has a valid U.S. Social Security number can apply. It is also safe to apply for one's children born in the U.S. even if the parents are ineligible.

Did you know...

You can own your house, a car or several cars*

You can have retirement accounts (i.e. IRA, 401K, etc.)*

You can have money in the bank*

You can be employed (or unemployed)

...and still qualify for CalFresh?

*As of February 1st, 2011 - the resource test has been waived, meaning there is no limit to the amount of property you can own or money you can have in your savings, checking or other accounts.

Want to Apply? -or- Still have Questions?

For more information about CalFresh or to apply, please contact Heidi McHugh at (707) 445-3166 extension 308.

People can also apply directly through the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services, Social Services Branch by calling (707) 268-3471 or 1-800-891-8551.

Humboldt Market Match

Food for People and the North Coast Growers' Association are pleased to announce the launch of the Humboldt Market Match, a new program designed to make it easier for low-income households to afford the nutritious foods they need for good health. The Humboldt Market Match will offer people receiving CalFresh (formerly food stamps) the opportunity to access an additional $5 in spendable market tokens when they spend $10 or more through CalFresh at any North Coast Growers' Association Farmers' Market (locations in Eureka, Arcata and McKinleyville). Matching funds can be accessed once per market and will be available while funding remains. Support and funding for the project comes from Roots of Change and a Specialty Crop Block Grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

For more information on the Humboldt Market Match or to find out if you may be eligible for CalFresh, call Food for People at (707) 445-3166 ext 308 or email Heidi McHugh. you may also apply for CalFresh directly through the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services at (707) 269-3590.