CalFresh benefits barely lasted a week - grocery prices in 2025 are insane!

Unfortunately, this is happening to a lot of CalFresh recipients right now. Benefit amounts aren't keeping pace with actual inflation. Have you tried applying for the maximum benefit amount? If your shelter costs (rent/utilities) are high enough, you might qualify for more. Also, don't forget to report any medical expenses if you're elderly or disabled - those can increase your benefit amount too.

ur doing it wrong. never do one big shopping trip. hit up the discount grocery stores and dollar stores first for non-perishables, then farmers markets right b4 they close for the cheap produce. I make $325 last all month for my kid and me. gotta be strategic.

Groceries are insane right now! Make sure you're maximizing your CalFresh benefits by reporting ALL eligible deductions during your application or recertification. Many people miss out on the following: 1. Full rent/mortgage and utilities (even if you share housing) 2. Medical expenses over $35 if you're elderly or disabled 3. Childcare costs if applicable 4. Child support payments Also, if your income has gone down or expenses have increased substantially, you can report this mid-certification using the "Change Reporting" option on BenefitsCal or by calling your county office.

The CalFresh benefit amounts are a JOKE compared to actual grocery costs. I have a family of 4 and we get $750/month which sounds like a lot until you realize that's supposed to feed 4 people for 30 days! That's $6.25 per person PER DAY. The government is so out of touch with what food actually costs in 2025. I've started growing my own vegetables just to supplement because otherwise we literally couldn't eat the last week of every month.

my sister works at the calfresh office and she said they're supposed to be doing a benefit amount increase review this summer but who knows if it'll actually happen or be enough. the thrifty food plan they use to calculate benefits hasn't been updated properly in forever. also def check out food banks to supplement - most don't have income limits anymore after covid.

I've been on CalFresh for 3 years and had to completely change how I shop. Here's what works for me: - Buy beans, rice, pasta, and oats in bulk - Frozen vegetables instead of fresh (except at farmers markets with Market Match) - Shop at ethnic grocery stores for much cheaper spices and some produce - Save meat for specific meals, not every day - Apps like Flashfood to get discounted groceries It's exhausting having to be so strategic just to eat, but that's the reality with current benefit amounts vs. food costs.

One important thing to know - if your income is low enough to qualify for CalFresh, you might also qualify for LIHEAP (energy assistance) and the Affordable Connectivity Program (internet discount). These can free up money in your overall budget. Also, don't forget that when you recertify for CalFresh, submit ALL documentation about your expenses. The more verified expenses you have, the higher your benefit calculation can be.

I feel your pain so much! Same thing happened to me last month - got my benefits and thought I could finally stock up, but everything is SO expensive now. One thing that's helped me is meal prepping with cheap ingredients. I make huge batches of things like lentil soup, bean and rice dishes, and pasta with whatever vegetables are on sale. Also, if you have any Asian markets near you, they often have much cheaper produce and pantry staples. And definitely look into those medical expense deductions others mentioned - every little bit helps when the benefits are this inadequate compared to actual food costs.