Where To Use CalFresh EBT

CalFresh benefits give California individuals and families monthly money to buy nutritious food when resources are limited. Below you’ll find an overview of the basics of where you can use your electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card and where you can and can’t use your CalFresh benefits.

You can also use the SNAP Retailer Locator to find nearby CalFresh-authorized retailers by entering a street address, city and state or zip code into their search tool.

Grocery Stores and Specialty Markets

Most standard grocery stores, including large chain supermarkets, regional markets, and smaller corner grocers, typically accept EBT. This means you can load up on fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and other essential household food items. If a store posts an “EBT Accepted” sign, there’s a good chance you can use your card.

Some specialty markets, such as certain ethnic grocers, also accept CalFresh benefits. If you’re not sure, ask at the customer service counter or check the store’s door for a posting about EBT.

Farmers’ Markets

Farmers’ markets are fantastic spots to stretch your CalFresh dollars. At many markets, you’ll find an EBT booth where you can swipe your CalFresh card in exchange for tokens or vouchers. Through Market Match, your CalFresh dollars are matched dollar-for-dollar (up to a certain amount) to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables from participating vendors.

Tokens received through Market Match can be spent at participating vendor stalls, usually on fruits, vegetables, eggs, and food-producing plants, such as tomato seedlings. It’s a simple way to enjoy local, seasonal finds while supporting small farms.

It’s an easy and rewarding way to eat fresh, eat local, and make the most of your CalFresh benefits

By using your CalFresh benefits at farmers markets, you can benefit from:

Access to fresh, locally grown produce
Support for local agriculture
Programs like Market Match match EBT funds. See if your local market participates at fmfinder.org.

Authorized Online Retailers

Did you know that it’s possible to buy groceries online with your EBT card? Several major retailers, including Amazon, offer this option, enabling you to shop from the comfort of your home. Be aware that delivery fees or other service charges can’t be covered by CalFresh, so you’ll need a different form of payment for those costs.

Restaurants and Fast-Food Establishments

Certain counties in California offer the Restaurant Meals Program, allowing older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those with disabilities to use CalFresh benefits at approved restaurants. This program is meant for people who have difficulty preparing meals themselves. An additional CalFresh EBT card is NOT needed, but recipients must speak with their county caseworker to find out if they are eligible to participate in this program.

When a restaurant participates, you’ll typically see a notice in the window. Some local restaurants in San Luis Obispo County that accept CalFresh include:

McDonald’s Restaurant at 6300 Morro Road, Atascadero, 93422
Denny’s Restaurant No. 8068 at 1310 24th St., Paso Robles, 93446
McDonald’s Restaurant at 186 Niblick Road, Paso Robles, 93446
McDonald’s Restaurant at 2715 Black Oak Drive, Paso Robles, 93446
Burger King No. 24162 at 180 Niblick Road, Paso Robles, 93446
Denny’s Restaurant No. 8069 at 611 Five Cities Drive, Pismo Beach, 93449
Subway No. 43981 at 575 Five Cities Drive, Pismo Beach, 93449
Subway No. 19516 at 706 Dolliver St., Pismo Beach, 93449
Denny’s Restaurant No. 8070 at 208 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, 93405
Leo’s Cafe Restaurant at 249 10th St., San Miguel, 93451

If you don’t qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program, using EBT in restaurants or fast-food places isn’t permitted. Make sure to confirm your eligibility before trying to purchase prepared meals from these establishments.

Eligible and Ineligible Purchases

Remember, just because a store or establishment accepts CalFresh, it doesn’t mean you can use it to purchase everything they sell. CalFresh primarily covers items intended for you to cook and eat at home. This includes:

Fresh produce, dairy, and eggs
Meat, fish, and poultry
Breads, cereals, and other grain products
Nonalcoholic beverages

On the other hand, you’re not allowed to buy nonfood items, such as personal care products, cleaning supplies, pet food, or vitamins. You also can’t spend CalFresh dollars on alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or hot foods prepared for in-store dining (unless you qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program).

For more details on exactly which items are permissible, read this: What You Can Buy With Your CalFresh Benefits.

Find Additional Food Resources

If you live in San Luis Obispo County or nearby areas, you can find additional resources through the SLO Food Bank. We focus on connecting individuals, families, and seniors across the region with nutritious food to support their health and well-being. Explore our Food Resources Map, learn more about finding funds for food, or check out these articles for further reading on CalFresh:

About the SLO Food Bank

We at the SLO Food Bank believe that everyone has the right to nutritious food. That’s why we work hard to ensure access to fresh food for everyone in our community. We structure our programs in various ways to make fresh produce more accessible and affordable for those who need it. We promote food assistance programs including CalFresh while also hosting food distributions in the most rural areas of our county.

With our network of community partners in San Luis Obispo, we strive to alleviate hunger and build a healthier community. If you’re in the area, check out our Food Resources Map to find food sources near you, or support our cause through volunteer opportunities or donations if you’re able to give. Donate today to help us bring health and hope to San Luis Obispo County!

Where Can I Use My CalFresh Benefits?