Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Lori Pace
CalFresh Healthy Living is also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education. It is the largest nutrition education program within the United States. CalFresh Healthy Living is available to more than one third of Californians. CalFresh Healthy Living in California aims to improve the health and well-being of all Californians by providing education and encouraging healthy community changes. But, what is the application process for Calfresh?
Who Is It For?
Californians whose income is below 185% of FPL can access critical resources. They have nutrition education programs to help people live healthier lives and provide opportunities to eat more fresh produce.
CalFresh is available to low-income people who meet federal income eligibility requirements and wish to increase their budget to provide healthy, nutritious food.
What Can You Purchase With CalFresh?
CalFresh is able to be used for any food or food product made for human consumption. Hot foods and lunch counter items that are prepared in-store are exempt. CalFresh cannot be used for non-food items such as soap, shampoo, or toilet paper.
You cannot also purchase alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, or pet food. However, you can use your CalFresh benefits for seeds and plants to plant food in your home garden.
Application Processes For CalFresh
Through GetCalFresh.org Website
CalFresh can be applied in just minutes. The applications on the website are available in English and Spanish. Through the website application, you can easily submit documents from your smartphone!
Call To Request Application Forms For CalFresh
Call 2-1-1
Calling 2-1-1 as they help assist potential eligible callers in completing the CalFresh Application. They also assist with sending an application packet to the caller, to allow him or her to complete it on their own.
Callers can be connected to a Community Based Organization (CBO), which can assist with the application process. Provide the address of your nearest County Family Resource Center so that you can apply in person.
Call Access At 1-(866) 262-9881
Access will mail you a copy of the application. You can either mail the completed application to your family resource center by U.S. mail, or drop it off at the family resource center. If you are eligible for expedited services, such as CalFresh benefits within three days, it is important that you send proof of identification.
Verifications And Documents To Support Calfresh Application
- Identification
Driver’s license, ID from the Department of Motor Vehicles, student ID, voter card, birth certificate, or ID from work.
- Residency
Driver’s license, check slips, rent receipts, mortgage receipts, lease agreements, and utility bills
- Immigration Status
Green card (I-551), I-94, or other document provided by the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Earned Income
You can check your stubs or get a statement from the employer.
- Other Income
Your award letter, or a current benefit report (example: SSA unemployment, disability).
- Housing and Utility Costs
Customers verify the statement of the applicant, periodic report, recertification, or verbal statement
Health insurance, doctor bills, hospital bills, drug receipts, pharmacy statements, etc.
