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Where can I use EBT/SNAP at restaurants in Kern County? (Restaurant Meals Program)
My elderly father just moved in with me in Bakersfield and qualifies for CalFresh benefits. I heard some restaurants accept EBT/SNAP through the Restaurant Meals Program, but I can't find an updated list for Kern County anywhere! The county website seems outdated (still shows 2023 info) and when I called the office, I was on hold for 45 minutes before getting disconnected. Does anyone have a current list of restaurants in Kern County that accept EBT for hot prepared meals? I know the program exists for seniors, disabled, and homeless folks, but which places actually participate? Any help would be appreciated!
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Thanks for sharing this update about the RMP program in Kern County! This is really helpful information. Could you provide more details about which specific restaurants have been added or updated? It would be great to know the locations and any changes to participating establishments so community members can take advantage of these hot meal options.
EBT skimming alert! 7-Eleven stores might be compromising CalFresh benefits - change PIN monthly
So frustrated right now! My CalFresh benefits got stolen AGAIN last month - $745 completely wiped out within minutes of being deposited. I noticed a pattern: benefits now disappear right after 6:00am (used to be midnight). After talking with 5 other people at my apartment complex who had the same issue, we ALL had used our EBT cards at 7-Eleven recently. Seems like skimmers might be installed at those stores. I spoke with my caseworker who confirmed they're seeing a huge increase in benefit theft. Her advice was to change your PIN code MONTHLY - especially the day before benefits load. If you get CalFresh on the 10th, change PIN on the 9th. Same for CalWorks cash benefits. Has anyone else experienced this? The county said they're "investigating" but who knows how long that'll take, and my family still needs to eat. Any other stores people should avoid? Any luck getting stolen benefits replaced?
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This is such an important thread - thank you all for sharing your experiences and advice! I'm new to CalFresh and honestly had no idea about these risks. I've been using my EBT card everywhere without thinking twice about security. After reading this, I'm definitely going to start being more careful about where I shop and will change my PIN right away. Does anyone know if certain grocery store chains are safer than others? I usually shop at Walmart, Target, and sometimes smaller corner stores, but now I'm wondering if I should stick to the bigger retailers that might have better security systems. Also, is there a way to check your balance frequently without going to a store? I want to catch any theft quickly if it happens.
Welcome to CalFresh! You're smart to be thinking about security from the start. For checking your balance, you can call the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677 anytime - it's automated and free. You can also check online at ebt.ca.gov. I check mine every few days just to be safe. As for stores, bigger chains like Walmart and Target generally have better security, but honestly skimmers can happen anywhere. The key is to always inspect the card reader before using it - wiggle it to see if anything feels loose or looks different. And definitely avoid those standalone ATMs in convenience stores. Smaller corner stores can be risky because they might not check their equipment as often. Stay vigilant and trust your instincts!
This thread is incredibly eye-opening! I just started receiving CalFresh benefits last month and had no clue about EBT skimming. I've been using my card at gas stations and small convenience stores without a second thought. After reading everyone's experiences, I'm honestly scared to use my card anywhere now. I have a few questions for the group: Is there a list somewhere of stores that have reported skimming incidents? And when you change your PIN monthly, do you do it online or by calling that customer service number? I tried calling once for a different issue and was on hold forever. Also, @Aileen Rodriguez mentioned the CF 303 form - is that something I can download online or do I have to get it from my caseworker? I want to have everything ready just in case this happens to me. The idea of losing my benefits and then having to wait weeks to get them back while my family goes hungry is terrifying. Thank you all for sharing your stories and advice - this community is a lifesaver for people like us who are just trying to navigate the system and feed our families safely.
Hi Lilah! I totally understand feeling scared - I felt the same way when I first learned about all this. Don't let it paralyze you though, just be smart about it! For changing your PIN, I've found calling 1-877-328-9677 is actually faster than online - if you call early morning or late evening you usually get through quicker. The online system at ebt.ca.gov works too but sometimes crashes. You can download the CF 303 form directly from the CDSS website - just search "EBT theft reporting form" and it should come up. Having it ready is smart thinking! As for store lists, I don't think there's an official list, but from what I've seen in this thread and talking to people, 7-Eleven seems to be a hot spot right now. I personally stick to major grocery chains like Safeway, Walmart, and Target - they seem to have better security monitoring. Just always wiggle that card reader before inserting your card, no matter where you are! You've got this - just stay alert and trust your instincts. This community has your back!
Informed Delivery shows P-EBT card coming today but nothing arrived - when to expect it?
Has anyone had issues with P-EBT cards not arriving on the day USPS Informed Delivery showed them coming? My daughter was approved for P-EBT benefits (first time getting them), and this morning my Informed Delivery email showed the card was being delivered today. Checked the mail at 6pm but there was nothing there! I'm worried because we really need these benefits for her school meals. Should I expect it tomorrow instead? Does USPS sometimes delay these special envelopes? I don't want to report it missing too early but also don't want to wait too long if it's actually lost.
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Just as a follow-up on activation - when the card arrives, you'll need to call the number on the back and have your child's date of birth ready. You'll create a 4-digit PIN. The system will tell you the current balance, which should match what your child's school notified you about. If the amount seems incorrect, you can call the P-EBT helpline, but for first-time activation, the EBT card number on the back is all you need. Also, be aware that P-EBT benefits are different from regular CalFresh. They can only be used for food items, not hot prepared foods (with some exceptions at approved restaurants in certain counties). The benefits also expire after a year, so make note of when they were issued.
I'm going through the same thing right now! My Informed Delivery showed my daughter's P-EBT card coming yesterday but still nothing in the mailbox. Reading all these responses is really reassuring - sounds like this is super common and I just need to be patient for a few more days. I had no idea that Informed Delivery just shows when mail gets scanned at the facility, not when it actually gets delivered to your house. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, this really helps calm my nerves about it being lost!
Missing supplemental CalFresh payment in 2025 - usually arrives on the 16th but didn't this month
I've been receiving extra CalFresh benefits consistently for the past 8 months. They always load around the 16th or that Sunday of the month, but this April nothing showed up on my EBT card! I checked my balance online and called the automated system, but only my regular benefits from the 10th are there. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm really counting on that extra $230 for my grocery budget this month. Did they cancel the supplemental program without notification? I didn't receive any letters about changes to my benefits. Should I call my caseworker or wait a few more days?
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Did your EBT card expire? Mine expired in February and I didn't realize it until my benefits didn't load. They automatically mail a new one but I never received it. Had to request another one and it was such a hassle. Just another thing to check!
Just checked and my card is good until 2027, so that's not it. But thanks for the suggestion!
Just as an update for everyone following this thread - I called my county office this morning and confirmed what @profile2 mentioned. There is indeed a system update causing delays for supplemental payments this month. The representative said all delayed supplements should post by April 24th at the latest. If you don't receive yours by then, definitely call your caseworker.
thx for updating us!!
This is such helpful information! I was getting really stressed about my budget too. It's frustrating that they don't send out notices about these delays, especially when people are counting on that money for groceries. At least now I know to wait until the 24th before calling. Thanks @Anna Xian for taking the time to call and update everyone!
Abraham Vaughn
Here is a 2025 updated list for you guys. Hope this helps.
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Abraham Vaughn
Updated list
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