Food Assistance

Putting nutritious meals on the table can be tough for families in our community. Thankfully, there are programs like CalFresh, WIC, and others that provide extra money to families who don't have a lot to spend on groceries, and you can even use it at local farmers markets.

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What is Calfresh (also known as SNAP)?
CalFresh is California's Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP). CalFresh helps individuals and families purchase healthy food by providing a monthly stipend on an EBT card which can be used in grocery stores, online, and at some farmers’ markets.

Eligible individuals can get up to $291 per month based on income and allowable expenses, such as housing costs, medical costs, and MediCare costs.

Apply online in as little as 10 minutes at GetCalFresh.org or benefitscal.com.  To speed up your application, please be as complete as possible with the information you provide.

Apply at GetCalFresh.org or benefitscal.com.

For additional questions, call your local DSS office:

  • Paso Robles: (805) 237-3110
  • Atascadero: (805) 461-6000
  • San Luis Obispo: (805) 781-1600
  • Morro Bay (805) 772-6405
  • Arroyo Grande: (805) 474-2000
  • Nipomo (805) 931-1800
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CalFresh For Students

Cal Poly’s CalFresh Outreach Team guides students through food resources and the CalFresh application process. Services are available fully online. Schedule an appointment Mondays–Fridays, 10am–6pm. Learn more at CalFreshCalPoly.org

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EBT Online

Now you can use your CalFresh EBT card to do your non-perishable grocery shopping online and have items delivered to your door. For more information, visit the EBT Online Guide.

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CalFresh at Farmers' Markets and Farm Stands

Stretch your food budget by using your CalFresh EBT card at local farmers' markets and farm stands. Some markets offer a program called Market Match, which doubles your benefits for fruits and vegetables. Look for farmers' markets with Market Match to make your food dollars go further.

How it Works:

  1. Use the Farmers Market Finder to find a market near you.
  2. At the Farmers’ Market, look for the information booth or market manager who will swipe your CalFresh (EBT) card and provide you with an additional $10-$20 in Market Match tokens.
  3. Use your tokens to buy your favorite fruits and vegetables.

Market Match Flyer (English & Spanish)

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Free Food Distribution Locations, Food Pantries, and Meal Sites

The SLO Food Bank and its community partners offer many free, nutritious food options across SLO County. For a complete list of food distributions, meals, and pantry sites near you, visit the Food Bank's Online Food Locator.

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Free Summer Meals for Kids in SLO County

See USDA "Meals4Kids" interactive map during the summer months  to find free meals for kids age 0-18 near you.

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Summer EBT for Kids

Beginning in the summer of 2024, eligible children in San Luis Obispo County will receive a Summer EBT card by mail. This card can be used to purchase food at grocery stores and farmers' markets throughout the summer months. Families will receive $120 per eligible child to buy groceries during the summer.

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Women Infants & Children (WIC)

WIC can help provide healthy foods and resources for women who are pregnant, just had a baby or have children under the age of five. To see if you are eligible for benefits, answer a few questions or text (888) 417-6180.

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Food for Seniors

Meals that Connect has meal service centers throughout San Luis Obispo County. Free meals are served Monday-Friday, 12 - 1 pm for individuals aged 60+. Call (805) 541-3312 or visit mealsthatconnect.org for more information. 

SLO Food Bank is partnering with Ride-On Transportation and Wilshire Community Services to bring weekly grocery deliveries to low-income, homebound individuals aged 60+ who are facing food insecurity in San Luis Obispo County. To learn more, call (805) 547-7025 ext 2217.

   

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