According to data from the US Department of Agriculture, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits, formerly known as “food stamps”) program distributes billions of dollars annually to over 41,697,500 people in all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.
SNAP beneficiaries in one state, however, can double their food purchases, and the data indicates that many of them are either unaware of its existence or have not used it for some reason.
It is simply a change of name because the program functions precisely the same in California, where it is known as CalFresh.
How to obtain CalFresh and what it is Double Up Food Bucks?
To ensure that no one goes hungry in one of the wealthiest states in the United States, the CalFresh program provides funds to low-income families so they can put food on their tables each month.
Depending on the final digit of your case number, CalFresh rewards (food) are sent within the first 10 days of every month.
If the last part of your case number is:
Last Digit of Case Number | Benefit Availability Date |
1 | May 1, 2025 |
2 | May 2, 2025 |
3 | May 3, 2025 |
4 | May 4, 2025 |
5 | May 5, 2025 |
6 | May 6 |
7 | May 7 |
8 | May 8, 2025 |
9 | May 9, 2025 |
0 | May 10, 2025 |
For CalFresh to be available, you have to:
- To live in California.
- Own a net income that is below the federal poverty level (rent and other deductible expenses are taken into account).
- Possess U.S. citizenship or be a qualifying non-citizen (such as a lawful permanent residence).
- Until January 2027, there will be some exceptions, although some adults (18–52 years old) without dependents must adhere to work requirements (20 hours per week or employment training).
Now, families may double their purchases of fruits and vegetables grown in California, up to $10 each visit, at participating retailers and markets through the Double Up Food Bucks program, which is available to people who get SNAP assistance.
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Using your EBT card to purchase local produce, for instance, earns you a $10 coupon that may be used to purchase further fresh produce.
No further registration is required; simply use your EBT at a participating establishment. This supports regional farmers and promotes a healthy diet. Double Up Food Bucks California’s website lists locations.
Different household sizes have different maximum monthly SNAP benefit amounts:
Household Size | Monthly Benefit Amount |
1 person | $292 |
2 people | $536 |
3 people | $768 |
4 people | $975 |
5 people | $1,155 |
6 people | $1,386 |
7 people | $1,532 |
8 people | $1,756 |
You can raise that amount and bring a lot more food to your home with the help of Double Up Food Bucks, particularly at a time when America is recovering from years of high inflation but whose forecasts predict that, as a result of federal policies, the year will end with significant increases in goods and services.