Hey everyone! I'm new to this community and just got my CalFresh benefits last month. This thread has been incredibly helpful - I actually had the exact same confusion about those EBT signs at fast food places! I saw one at a local Del Taco and was wondering if I could use my benefits there. Now I understand it's specifically for the Restaurant Meals Program and has those strict eligibility requirements. It's kind of disappointing since I'm a college student working part-time and grabbing something quick between classes would be really convenient, but I totally get why the program is designed for people who truly need prepared food options due to their circumstances. Thanks to everyone for explaining the differences between regular CalFresh, RMP, and cash benefits - I had no idea there were so many layers to the EBT system. This community seems really supportive and I'm glad I found it!

Hi everyone! I'm brand new to this community and just started receiving CalFresh benefits a few weeks ago. This entire thread has been SO educational - I had absolutely no clue about the Restaurant Meals Program before reading all your explanations! I actually work at a grocery store and see people try to use their EBT cards at the hot food bar sometimes, and now I understand why it doesn't work for most people. It makes total sense that RMP exists for elderly, disabled, and homeless individuals who might not have access to cooking facilities. Even though I don't qualify myself, I'm definitely going to keep this information in mind in case I encounter customers who might be eligible but don't know about the program. Thanks to everyone for being so patient in explaining all the different EBT programs and requirements - this community is already proving to be an amazing resource for understanding the benefits system!

Update for everyone: I just called the CalFresh policy line to confirm this. Raw turkeys are 100% eligible for CalFresh/EBT purchase at ANY retailer that accepts EBT. This includes all varieties (frozen, fresh, with seasoning packets, brand name or store brand). The only exceptions would be: 1. Pre-cooked/hot prepared turkeys 2. Turkey meals that are ready-to-eat If your EBT is denied for a raw turkey, ask for a manager immediately and have them check the item's classification in their system. Some stores mistakenly code seasonal items incorrectly. If the manager can't resolve it, you can file a report with your county office and they can reach out to the retailer to correct their system.

I work at a grocery store and see this happen sometimes - it's usually because the turkey got scanned wrong in our system or the cashier hit the wrong button. Raw turkeys are definitely EBT eligible! Next time this happens, ask them to manually enter the PLU code or scan it again. If that doesn't work, ask for customer service - they can override it if needed. Don't let one bad experience ruin your Thanksgiving! Most stores will work with you to fix these kinds of mistakes.

Just want to echo what everyone else has said - the homemade route is definitely the way to go! I've been in your exact situation before and ended up making my own ice cream cake. One tip that worked really well for me: buy a pre-made pound cake or angel food cake from the bakery section (totally covered by EBT), slice it in half horizontally, then layer softened ice cream in between and on top. Way easier than starting from scratch and it gives you that nice cake-and-ice-cream combo your son is looking for. You can even drizzle some chocolate syrup between layers to make it extra fancy. The basketball decorations from the dollar store will make it look amazing! Your kiddo is going to be over the moon that his parent made something so special just for him.

This thread is so wholesome! As a newcomer to this community, I'm really impressed by how everyone rallied to help Paolo find a solution. I'm also on CalFresh benefits and have definitely felt that frustration when you want to do something special for your kids but run into these confusing restrictions. The homemade ice cream cake suggestions are genius - and honestly, your son will probably treasure the fact that you made it yourself even more than if you'd bought it from BR. Kids remember when their parents go the extra mile like that. Plus you can make it exactly how he wants with all those basketball decorations! Hope his birthday is absolutely perfect and thanks to everyone for sharing such helpful tips. This is exactly the kind of supportive community I was hoping to find!

When you do talk to someone, make sure to ask if your benefits can be backdated to fix the mistake! They should give you the difference for any months you received the incorrect amount. Don't let them tell you they can't fix past months - they absolutely can if it was their calculation error!

I work for a nonprofit that helps families navigate CalFresh issues, and this sounds like a classic case of missing deductions. With your income and family size, you should definitely be getting more than $380. The childcare expense you mentioned ($850/month) is huge - that alone could increase your benefits significantly since it reduces your countable income. A few tips for when you call: 1. Have all your documents ready (pay stubs, rent receipts, childcare provider info) 2. Ask specifically for your "eligibility determination worksheet" - this shows exactly how they calculated your benefits 3. If the first worker can't help, ask to speak with a supervisor 4. Take notes on who you talk to and when Also, double-check that they have your household size correct (you + 3 kids = 4 people) and that they're applying the correct utility allowance for your area. These are common mistakes that can really impact your benefit amount.

wait this is completely different from the Market Match program right? because i use that at farmers markets where they match like $10 of my ebt...

This thread has been so informative! I'm a single mom in Fresno County with a 7-year-old, and I had NO idea this California Fresh program existed. We get about $280 in CalFresh monthly, so it sounds like we might qualify. The extra $50 for produce would be a huge help - fresh fruits and vegetables are so expensive! I'm definitely going to call tomorrow and ask specifically for the "California Fresh Supplemental Benefit." Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and tips!