Does Grocery Outlet accept EBT/CalFresh? Need affordable shopping options

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!

yep they take ebt. prices are good but check expiration dates. somtimes stuff is close to expiring thats why its cheaper

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!

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.

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.

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!!!!

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

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

Welcome to the community! Just wanted to add that Grocery Outlet is great for stretching CalFresh benefits. I'm a single mom and shop there weekly. One tip I learned - they get new shipments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so that's when you'll find the best selection of produce and dairy items. Also, don't overlook their frozen section - I've found organic frozen vegetables for way less than regular grocery stores. The key is being flexible with your meal planning since their inventory changes, but that's also what makes it fun! You can discover new foods you might not have tried otherwise.

Another great tip for maximizing your CalFresh benefits at Grocery Outlet - they often have manager's specials on items that are close to their "sell by" date. These are usually marked with bright colored stickers and can be 50% off or more! I've gotten really good deals on things like yogurt, bread, and even meat that I just freeze right away. Also, if you're comfortable with it, ask an employee when they typically mark down items - some stores do it at specific times during the day. Between the regular low prices and these markdowns, I've been able to cut my grocery spending significantly while still eating well on CalFresh.

Hi everyone! I'm new to the community and just wanted to say how helpful this thread has been. I recently started receiving CalFresh benefits after losing my job, and I was really worried about making them stretch through the month. Reading all your tips about Grocery Outlet accepting EBT and the strategies for shopping there (checking expiration dates, timing visits for Tuesday/Wednesday deliveries, looking for manager's specials) is giving me so much hope that I can make this work. It's amazing how supportive everyone is here - sharing practical advice instead of just complaining. I'm definitely going to try Grocery Outlet this weekend and will report back on how it goes! Thank you all for creating such a welcoming space for people navigating these challenges.

Welcome to the community! As someone who's been navigating CalFresh for a while now, I just wanted to add that Grocery Outlet is definitely one of my go-to stores for stretching benefits. Yes, they accept EBT at all California locations! One thing I've learned is to bring a calculator or use your phone calculator while shopping - since their inventory changes so much, it helps to keep track of your spending as you go. Also, don't be afraid to ask at customer service if you're unsure about whether something is EBT eligible - they're usually pretty helpful. The combination of their already low prices plus your CalFresh benefits can really make a difference in your monthly food budget. Good luck with your shopping!

Welcome to the community! I'm also pretty new to using CalFresh and this thread has been such a lifesaver. I had no idea Grocery Outlet accepted EBT - I've been sticking to the big chain stores and struggling to make my benefits last. Reading about all these shopping strategies (the Tuesday/Wednesday delivery timing, manager's specials with colored stickers, bringing a calculator) is opening my eyes to so many possibilities I never considered. It's honestly a relief to find a community where people share practical tips instead of just venting. I'm planning to check out my local Grocery Outlet this week and will definitely keep all your advice in mind. Thank you all for being so welcoming and helpful - it really means a lot when you're trying to figure all this out!