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CalFresh (Food Stamps)
Program Overview
CalFresh, formerly known as Food Stamps, helps low-income people buy the food they need for good health. For most households, CalFresh benefits are only a part of their food budget. They must spend some of their own cash, along with their CalFresh Benefits, in order to buy enough food for the month.
Individuals and families may be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits, whether or not they work, if they have low income. CalFresh benefits are given in the form of an Electronic Benefits (EBT) card, similar to a bank debit card.
CalFresh Benefit Allotment
Great News! As of October 1, 2022, all CalFresh customers will see an increase in their monthly benefit amount due to the CalFresh Cost-of-Living Adjustments! To learn more, view the Notice to All CalFresh Recipients (PDF).
EBT Online
As of April 28, 2020 you can use your EBT card to make purchases online. Individuals and families can purchase groceries online using their EBT card at Amazon and Walmart. If you receive CalWORKs, you may also be able to use your cash benefits to make purchases online at Wal-Mart. California expedited implementation of EBT online purchasing in response to COVID-19. Allowing for EBT online purchases will support vulnerable populations in meeting their nutrition needs, especially while a statewide stay at home order remains in place. California is actively working to expand the number of stores that accept EBT online in the future.
CalFresh provides monthly food benefits that help individuals and families buy healthy, nutritious food! Even if temporary, individuals and families who have experienced a change in their circumstances and need additional help may apply for CalFresh. Californians can visit the CalFresh website to apply or call 877-847-3663 (FOOD) to be connected to their local county social service office.
EBT Online Resources
Market Match
Market Match will match up to $10 or $15 of CalFresh food benefits, depending on the location. These additional food dollars can be used towards the purchase of fruits and vegetables at your Butte County Market Match Location (PDF).
Who Qualifies
Specific eligibility requirements take into account an applicant's citizenship, income, and other factors. Generally, services are available to low income individuals and families who:
- Are U.S. citizens
- Are legal immigrants who:
- Have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years
- Are receiving disability-related assistance or benefits, regardless of entry date
- Are children under 18 years of age regardless of entry date
- Meet work and income requirements
How to Apply
- Online: Visit the BenefitsCal website online to apply
- By Phone: Call the Butte County Customer Service Center at 877-410-8803
- By Fax:
- Chico Office: 530-879-3483
- Oroville Office: 530-538-6918
- In Person:
- Butte Community Employment Center - Chico
765 East Avenue
Chico, CA 95926 - Butte Community Employment Center - Oroville
78 Table Mountain Boulevard
Oroville, CA 95965
- Butte Community Employment Center - Chico