EBT stands for “Electronic Benefit Transfer.” The electronic card for using CalFresh benefits is essentially
works like a “debit card.” Officially, it is called the Golden State Advantage Card, but most people refer to it simply as the EBT card. CalFresh benefits are loaded onto these debit-like cards which can be used anywhere CalFresh benefits are accepted. If certified to receive CalFresh, benefits should be on the applicant’s card within 30 days from the date an application was filed. [7 C.F.R. §
274.2 (b).] If the applicant qualifies for expedited or “emergency” CalFresh, benefits should be available within three days. Once received, the card can be used in California or any other state.” [7 C.F.R. § 274.1(k)(4).] The USDA approves retails stores for participation in the CalFresh program. Generally, stores must offer a variety of “staple foods” including perishable foods. [7 C.F.R. § 278 et seq.] Among the locations commonly approved to accept CalFresh EBT are:
What you can buy with CalFresh benefitsSee, generally 7 C.F.R. § 271.2 (definition of Eligible Foods), FNS Memo 2018-2 and the FNS SNAP page about eligible food items. The types of food and certain non-food eligible for purchase with CalFresh include:
What you cannot buySee, generally, 7 C.F.R. § 271.2 and MPP § 63-102(e)(2). some notable excluded items are:
For more information, see the FNS SNAP page detailing items eligible and ineligible for purchase using SNAP benefits. Restaurant meals programThis program is designed to help households who do not have a place to store and cook food, or who may have a disability that makes preparing meals for themselves difficult. It began in 1978 when federal regulations gave states the option to allow elderly and disabled food stamp households to use food stamp coupons in authorized restaurants. The program was expanded to include homeless households. [MPP § 63-102(e)(2)(H); ACIN I-71-11.] Under the program, prepared foods at participating restaurants and grocery stores can be purchased with an EBT card. Participating restaurants must meet requirements placed on them by the county and must be authorized to process CalFresh transactions as a restaurant. Restaurants are prohibited from charging a sales tax or meal tax on prepared foods purchased with CalFresh benefits. [MPP § 63-102(e)(2)(H)(3)(e)(ii).] Two or four year colleges that operate food facilities on campus must apply to become a food vendor under the Restaurant Meals Program and colleges must provide contracting food vendors with information about the Restaurant Meals program. [ACL 16-112.] Can I use my California EBT card for fast food?If you currently live in the state of California and receive CalFresh benefits, we have great news! There are restaurants that take EBT in California. Your CalFresh EBT Card or Golden State Advantage card can be used at select restaurants and fast food places if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Can you buy hot food with EBT in California?The California Restaurant Meals Program allows eligible homeless, disabled, and/or elderly (ages 60 and above) CalFresh benefit recipients to use their CalFresh benefits to purchase hot, prepared food from participating restaurants.
Does KFC take EBT in California?Short Answers: KFC accepts EBT at locations in the states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), including Arizona, California, and Florida.
Where is EBT accepted in CA?Yes, if you get CalFresh benefits, you can purchase groceries online at Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Amazon, and Walmart using your EBT card. You can purchase the same food you would normally purchase in the store. At this time, cash assistance EBT benefits can only be used at Walmart.
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