I'm new to CalFresh but this thread is incredibly eye-opening about how broken the system is! I'm currently going through my initial application process and now I'm worried about what I'll face if I need help down the road. Just wanted to say thank you to everyone sharing all these strategies - I'm bookmarking this post for future reference. @StarSurfer I really hope you get through soon and get your benefits restored. The fact that families have to jump through this many hoops just to access basic food assistance is honestly shameful. Definitely going to try that 211 helpline tip if I ever run into issues - never knew that resource existed. Sending positive vibes that one of these many suggestions works for you! 🤞

I just went through this exact nightmare last month and wanted to share what finally worked for me! After reading through all these great suggestions, I'd add one more trick: try calling during the lunch shift change around 12:30-1:00 PM. Sometimes there's a brief window when the afternoon staff is settling in and call volume drops slightly. Also, when you do get through (and you will!), immediately ask them to email you a summary of what was discussed and any next steps - this saved me when I had to call back later. For your SAR7 situation, since it shows received but benefits didn't load, there might be a "pending review" flag that only they can see in their system. Don't be afraid to ask them to check the case notes for any alerts or holds. The system is absolutely broken, but your persistence will pay off. Your kids shouldn't have to wait for food because of bureaucratic failures. Keep fighting! 💪

I just want to say how heartwarming it is to see this community come together to help Alexander and share so many resources! As someone who works with families navigating food insecurity, I'd like to add a few more options: 1. **CalFresh for Students** - If you're taking any college classes (even part-time), there are special student eligibility rules that might help you qualify despite higher income. 2. **Summer Food Service Program** - When school's out, many parks and community centers serve free meals to kids under 18, no income requirements. 3. **Double Up Food Bucks** - At participating farmers markets, your CalFresh benefits are matched dollar-for-dollar for fresh produce (once you get approved). 4. **Local mutual aid groups** - Search Facebook for "[your city] mutual aid" or "buy nothing" groups. These grassroots networks often coordinate food sharing. Also, Alexander, when you do your CalFresh appeal, consider asking for an "adequate notice" review if they didn't properly explain all the deductions you're entitled to. The system is complex but you have rights as an applicant! Keep us posted on how the WIC application goes. You've got a whole community rooting for you! 💪

Just wanted to add another resource that helped my family when we were in a similar situation - the California Food Policy Advocates website has a really comprehensive guide to all food assistance programs in CA with income eligibility charts. It's at cfpa.net and they have a "Food Programs Guide" that breaks down exactly what each program offers and how to apply. Also, if you're comfortable with it, consider reaching out to local faith communities even if you're not a member. Many churches, mosques, and synagogues run food pantries or have emergency assistance funds specifically for families with children. I was hesitant at first but everyone I encountered was just focused on helping, no questions about beliefs or anything like that. One last tip - if you end up at food banks regularly, ask if they have any "client choice" pantries where you can pick your own items rather than getting a pre-packed box. It helps ensure you get foods your kids will actually eat and any dietary restrictions are accommodated. Rooting for you and your family! The fact that you're working so hard to find resources shows what a dedicated parent you are. 🙏

I went through something very similar with my mom who has kidney disease and needs a special low-sodium, low-phosphorus diet. The key thing that finally worked for us was getting a detailed letter from her nephrologist that specifically stated she "requires a medically necessary separate diet that cannot be shared with household members." We also kept grocery receipts for 2 months showing completely separate purchases - her specialized kidney-friendly foods vs regular groceries. The caseworker initially pushed back too, but once we had that medical documentation AND the receipt proof, they approved the separate household status. Don't let them discourage you - your medical needs are legitimate and the law supports separate households for medical necessity!

I'm actually going through this exact same situation right now with my diabetic father who lives with me and requires a very specific renal diet. What really helped us was creating a "food separation plan" document that we gave to the caseworker. It detailed exactly how we handle everything - separate grocery shopping trips, separate storage areas, separate cooking times, even separate dishes/utensils that we keep clean for his medical needs. We also got his dietitian to write a letter explaining that ANY cross-contamination or sharing could be dangerous for his kidney function. The caseworker seemed much more convinced when we presented it as a comprehensive plan rather than just saying "we eat separately." It took about 6 weeks total but they finally approved our separate household status. Keep fighting for this - your medical restrictions are completely valid and they have to accommodate legitimate medical necessity!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - I know exactly how stressful it is when you have kids asking about food and you're stuck waiting on a card that should have arrived already. I went through something very similar a few months ago and the uncertainty was the worst part. A couple of things that helped me while waiting: - Call 211 or visit 211.org to find emergency food resources in your area - many food banks don't require any paperwork and can help immediately - If you have kids in school, make sure they're signed up for free breakfast/lunch programs if you haven't already - Some local churches and community centers do weekly food distributions that are open to anyone For getting through to someone who can actually help with your card status, I found the most success calling that EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677 early in the morning (like right at 8am when they open) and specifically asking for a "status trace" on your card. That seems to be the magic phrase that gets you real information instead of just "wait longer." The 12-day wait is unfortunately becoming normal with the Sacramento facility change, but you're absolutely right to be calling now. Don't let them brush you off - if it's been mailed and you haven't received it after 10+ business days, push for an expedited replacement. Hang in there - your benefits are approved and this nightmare will end soon. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to use local food assistance resources. That's exactly what they're there for!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress! I'm new to this community but unfortunately going through the exact same situation - got approved for CalFresh 9 days ago and still waiting on my EBT card to arrive. The anxiety of checking the mailbox every day while your family needs food is just awful. This entire thread has been incredibly helpful though! I had no idea there was a separate EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677 or about the Sacramento facility change causing these delays. The county worker told me 5-7 days too, so it's frustrating but reassuring to see this is affecting so many families. Based on everyone's advice here, I'm definitely calling tomorrow morning and asking for that "status trace" - seems like that's the key phrase to get real information instead of just being told to wait longer. The tip about calling right at 8am when they open is smart too. In the meantime, I'm going to look into some of the emergency food resources people mentioned like 211.org and local food banks. We shouldn't have to struggle when we have approved benefits, but at least there are ways to bridge the gap while we wait for this broken system to work. Thank you for posting this - it's such a relief to know we're not alone and that there are actual steps we can take instead of just waiting helplessly. Your card will come and this nightmare will end soon!

Just wanted to add another resource that might help - some food co-ops and community markets also participate in CNIP but don't always advertise it well. I found out my local food co-op offers the match when I asked at checkout. They said they get fewer people using it so their funding lasts longer into each quarter. Also, if you're on social media, some of the farmers markets post updates about their Market Match availability on their Facebook or Instagram pages, which can save you a trip if they're having issues that week. It's definitely worth following the ones near you!

I've been dealing with this same issue and found a really helpful workaround! If you call 211 (the community resource hotline), they actually maintain a real-time database of which stores currently have CNIP funding available. The operator can search by your zip code and tell you exactly which participating stores near you still have matching funds active. I called last week and they found 3 stores within 20 minutes of me that still had funding when all the major chains had run out. Way easier than driving around checking each store! They also told me that some mobile farmers markets that visit low-income neighborhoods often have more flexible funding that lasts longer than the traditional weekend markets.