Does Grocery Outlet accept EBT/CalFresh? Need affordable shopping options
I'm trying to stretch my CalFresh benefits as much as possible this month since I had some unexpected bills. Someone told me Grocery Outlet has really good deals, but I'm not sure if they take EBT? Their website doesn't clearly say it and I don't want to fill my cart just to be embarrassed at checkout. Does anyone shop there with their CalFresh benefits? And if they do accept EBT, do all locations take it or just some? TIA!
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Isabella Santos
Yes, Grocery Outlet definitely accepts EBT/CalFresh! I shop there all the time to stretch my benefits. All locations in California accept EBT for eligible food items. They have amazing deals on produce and dairy especially. Just remember that like any store, you can't use EBT for non-food items, prepared hot foods, vitamins, etc. But for regular groceries, you're good to go!
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Malik Johnson
AuthorOmg thank you!!! This is a life saver. My benefits got reduced after recertification (my daughter turned 18) and I've been struggling to make them last the whole month. Def checking them out tomorrow!
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Ravi Sharma
yep they take ebt. prices are good but check expiration dates. somtimes stuff is close to expiring thats why its cheaper
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Malik Johnson
AuthorGood tip about the expiration dates, I'll definitely check before buying! Have you noticed if their produce is good quality?
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Ravi Sharma
produce is hit or miss. sometimes great deals sometimes not the freshest. i usually go early in week when they get deliveries
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Freya Larsen
They do take EBT but just go to Food Maxx instead. Better selection and prices are just as good. I used to shop at Grocery Outlet but got tired of their limited inventory. Never know what they'll have in stock!
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Isabella Santos
Food Maxx is good too, but I've found Grocery Outlet can be significantly cheaper on specific items. I like to shop at both depending on what I need! If you're on a tight CalFresh budget, it helps to compare the weekly ads and hit both stores if possible.
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Omar Hassan
Yes, Grocery Outlet accepts EBT/CalFresh benefits at all their California locations. They're actually listed as an authorized SNAP retailer in the USDA database. I shop there regularly and find it's one of the best ways to maximize your CalFresh benefits, especially for dairy products, frozen foods, and sometimes produce. Pro tip: If you're really trying to stretch your benefits, Grocery Outlet has an app with additional coupons, and they do a 20% off wine sale a few times a year (obviously not EBT eligible, but good to know for general budgeting). Also, if you're having trouble with your CalFresh benefits being reduced after recertification, you might want to make sure all your deductions are being properly counted. Housing costs, utilities, childcare, and medical expenses for seniors/disabled household members can all potentially increase your benefit amount.
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Malik Johnson
AuthorThank you for the tip about the app! Downloading it now. And yeah, my benefits got reduced because my household size changed (daughter turned 18 and is in college now). I did report all my housing costs during recertification but maybe I should double check if they counted everything right. The county worker seemed really rushed when I had my phone interview.
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Omar Hassan
Your daughter might still count in your household even if she's 18 if she's a full-time student! The rules state that full-time students under 22 living with parents can still be part of the CalFresh household. It might be worth calling your county office to verify they're calculating your household size correctly. This could make a significant difference in your benefit amount.
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Chloe Taylor
I've been trying to reach someone at the county for THREE WEEKS about a similar issue with my household size calculation, and I keep getting disconnected or waiting forever. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person at the CalFresh office in under 10 minutes! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 It's the only way I've been able to actually talk to someone without wasting my whole day. The worker fixed my household size issue and my benefits increased by $220/month! Definitely worth checking if they calculated your household correctly.
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Malik Johnson
AuthorThis is super helpful! I'm definitely going to try this service. The county phone system is impossible - last time I called I was on hold for 2 hours and then got disconnected. Will check out that video, thanks!
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ShadowHunter
NOBODY MENTIONING THE REAL ISSUE!!! CalFresh benefits are NOT ENOUGH regardless of where you shop!!! I get $281 for my family of 3 and it barely lasts 2 weeks even shopping at discount stores. The whole system is broken. They expect us to survive on pennies while everything costs more. I'm so tired of the government acting like we can feed families on these tiny benefits!!!!
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Diego Ramirez
For real!!! My benefits don't last the month either. And then when you try calling to ask questions they treat you like your trying to scam the system or something. So frustrating.
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Isabella Santos
I understand your frustration, but the original question was specifically about whether Grocery Outlet accepts EBT. That said, you're right that benefits often don't stretch far enough with today's food prices. Have you checked if you're eligible for other assistance programs that might help? Food banks, WIC (if you have children under 5), or school meal programs can supplement CalFresh benefits.
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Diego Ramirez
Yes they take ebt! But also try 99 cent store they have surprising good produce and everything is cheaper! I got 3 bell peppers there for $2 when safeway wanted $2 EACH
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Ravi Sharma
wait does ur daughter buy her own food at college or still eat at home? cuz that matters 4 ur calfresh. my cousin had this problem
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Malik Johnson
AuthorShe lives at home and commutes to community college. She doesn't have a meal plan or anything, we still cook and eat together. The worker just told me since she's 18 she should apply separately, but now I'm wondering if that was wrong advice?
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Omar Hassan
That was definitely incorrect information from your worker. If your daughter is a full-time student living at home, under 22, and you purchase and prepare food together, she should still be included in your household for CalFresh purposes. The regulation specifically allows for this. I strongly recommend contacting your county office to have them review your case - this could significantly increase your benefit amount.
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