CALIFORNIA – The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved, January 15, CalFresh recipients in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Kern, Orange and Ventura counties to purchase hot, prepared food until February 8, 2025.
The USDA approved the hot foods waiver due to the recent impact of the wildfires in California.
CalFresh electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards can typically be used to purchase eligible food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, and packaged foods.
They cannot generally be used for non-food items, alcohol, or prepared hot foods unless in specific situations like disasters.
Authorized EBT retailers may temporarily accept CalFresh benefits in exchange for hot foods through February 8, 2025.
5.5 million Californians receive CalFresh benefits
According to the California Department of Social Services, 5.5 million Californians received CalFresh benefits in November 2024.
CalFresh, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) nationwide, temporarily allows the purchase of hot foods during a disaster as many people affected may lose access to their kitchen.
For a list of authorized EBT retailers, visit fns.usda.gov.
 approved January 15, CalFresh recipients in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Kern, Orange and Ventura counties to purchase hot, prepared food until February 8, 2025.){kind=link}