Where can I use CalFresh EBT? Just got approved and confused about accepted stores

Congratulations on getting approved!! Almost all grocery stores accept EBT for CalFresh - Walmart, Target, Safeway, Albertsons, Foods Co, FoodMaxx, Save Mart, Grocery Outlet, Trader Joe's, even Whole Foods (tho be careful there lol, $$ adds up fast). Dollar stores like Dollar General and Family Dollar take it too! Corner stores and some gas station mini marts also accept it but prices tend to be higher there.

To add to what was already mentioned, yes, you absolutely can use your EBT card at Costco! And regarding farmers markets - many do accept EBT and some even have special programs like Market Match where they'll match up to $10 of your CalFresh benefits (meaning you spend $10 EBT and get $20 worth of fresh produce). Check the website called "California Market Match" to find participating farmers markets near you. Also important to know: You CANNOT use CalFresh benefits for: - Alcohol or tobacco - Pet food - Vitamins/medicines - Hot prepared foods (like the hot deli section) - Household items (paper towels, soap, etc.) You'll want to separate your grocery purchases at checkout - eligible food items on EBT, non-eligible items paid separately.

i use mine at food maxx its cheapest around here. just swip like debit card & enter ur pin. also amazon fresh takes ebt now 2 if u dont wanna go out.

Don't forget to download the "Fresh EBT" app!! It lets you check your balance without calling that annoying hotline, plus shows you which stores in your area accept EBT. It even has some coupon offers sometimes. I use it all the time!!

Something I didn't see mentioned yet - if you shop online, both Amazon and Walmart take EBT for delivery groceries. This was HUGELY helpful when I broke my leg last year and couldn't drive to the store. Just make sure you select "EBT eligible items" filters when shopping online. And one more thing - if you have any issues with your EBT card not working at a store that should accept it, or if you think your benefit amount is wrong, try calling your county CalFresh office. It can be frustrating to get through - I was on hold for over an hour last month trying to report an address change. I recently found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that will actually wait on hold with the county office for you and call you back when a real person answers. Saved me tons of time. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

Everyone keeps saying where u CAN use it but nobody mentions where u SHOULD use it to get most bang for buck!!! Grocery Outlet has been my lifesaver!! Their prices are like 40% less than regular stores. I feed my family of 4 on $600/month CalFresh this way. Also look for sales at FoodMaxx and Foods Co. DON'T waste ur EBT at Safeway or Whole Foods unless it's their sale items!!! The regular prices will eat thru ur benefits so fast!!!

BTW if u have kids and get CalFresh, make sure u ask about the FREE school meals program too! My kids automatically qualified once we got CalFresh. U don't even need to fill out extra forms anymore.

i just use mine at winco and walmart cuz there cheapest by me. but one weird thing is some restaurants can take ebt if ur homeless or elderly or disabled. its called the restaurant meals program. my uncle uses his at subway sometimes.

One more tip I haven't seen mentioned - if you're near any ethnic grocery stores (like 99 Ranch Market, Northgate Market, or Indian/Middle Eastern stores), they usually accept EBT too and often have WAY better prices on produce, rice, beans, and spices than regular supermarkets. I get huge bags of rice and lentils for like half the price of Safeway. Also, many Vietnamese and Mexican markets have amazing deals on fresh vegetables. Just make sure to bring cash for any non-EBT items since some smaller stores are cash-only for those purchases.