< Back to California CalFresh

Kristian Bishop

Where to get free diapers and formula when CalFresh doesn't cover them?

I'm a single mom with a 6-month-old and I'm struggling BADLY this month. My CalFresh benefits barely cover food for me, and as everyone knows, they don't help with diapers or formula at all. My baby's dad lost his job and hasn't sent child support in 2 months. I've applied for WIC but my appointment isn't for another 3 weeks! My baby is almost out of formula and I've got maybe 5 diapers left. I'm panicking. Does anyone know any emergency resources in Sacramento area where I can get these things without waiting? Food banks? Churches? Anything? I've never been this desperate before.

Kaitlyn Otto

•

WIC is definitely the long-term solution, but for immediate help, try these Sacramento resources: 1. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services - they often have emergency supplies for families with infants 2. River City Food Bank sometimes has formula donations 3. Call 211 - they can connect you with local emergency assistance programs 4. Check local churches - many have diaper banks for emergencies Also, when you do get your WIC appointment, make sure to tell them about your emergency situation. They sometimes can expedite benefits in crisis situations.

0 coins

thank you SO MUCH!! i had no idea about the 211 number, just called and they're connecting me with a diaper bank tomorrow morning! still trying to figure out the formula situation but this helps alot

0 coins

Axel Far

•

i had same problem last year! go to sacrameno crisis nursery they have emergency baby supplies and dont ask to many questions. they gave me like 40 diapers and 2 cans of formula when i went without apointment even

0 coins

omg thank you, i just looked them up and they're not too far from me. gonna try first thing tomorrow!

0 coins

While waiting for your WIC appointment, you should also contact your county CalFresh office to ask about the CalWORKs program. If you qualify, it provides cash aid that CAN be used for diapers and other non-food necessities. Many people don't realize you can receive both CalFresh and CalWORKs simultaneously. The income limits are different but if you're struggling this much, you might qualify.

0 coins

I tried applying for CalWORKs but they said i make $75 too much a month from my part-time job. It's so frustrating because after rent I literally have nothing left. The system is broken.

0 coins

Luis Johnson

•

HAVE YOU CHECKED FACEBOOK?!! There's groups called "Buy Nothing" in most neighborhoods where people give away stuff for FREE including baby things!!!! I see formula posts ALL THE TIME. Also "Sacramento Moms" group helped me when I needed similac!

0 coins

I don't have Facebook! But maybe I should create an account just for this. That sounds really helpful actually.

0 coins

Ellie Kim

•

I work with community resources in Sacramento and wanted to add that Mustard Seed School/Loaves & Fishes has emergency supplies for families with children. Also, almost every WIC office keeps some emergency formula supplies on hand - call them directly and explain your situation rather than waiting for your appointment. You might be able to get at least some formula to tide you over. For your ongoing needs, definitely prioritize that WIC appointment. Unlike CalFresh, WIC specifically provides formula and also connects you to healthcare resources for your baby. The income limits are actually more generous than CalFresh in many cases.

0 coins

Thank you so much. I'll call the WIC office tomorrow morning. I didn't realize they might have emergency supplies - the automated message just gave me the appointment date. Really appreciate the help!

0 coins

Fiona Sand

•

when i tried calling the county for help it took days to get anyone. i finally used claimyr.com which got me through to a real person at the benefits office right away. they connected me to emergency services program that helped with my baby supplies. check out how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 - it literally saved me when i was in your same situation.

0 coins

Thanks for this! I've been on hold with county services all morning. Will definitely check this out if I can't get through today.

0 coins

I've been there mama! So stressful. One thing no one mentioned yet - if you're using a specific formula brand, call the company directly! Similac, Enfamil, etc all have assistance programs and sometimes mail emergency supplies. Also ask at your pediatrician's office - they often have samples they can give in emergencies. And this isn't ideal but if you're truly desperate tonight before you can reach these resources tomorrow, most Target/Walmart stores will let you return unopened diapers without receipt for store credit - so if you have any unused gifts or wrong sizes, you could exchange.

0 coins

That's such a good idea about calling the formula company directly. My baby uses Enfamil so I'll call them right now. And thank you for the diaper exchange tip - I actually do have some newborn size ones someone gave me that are too small now.

0 coins

Axel Far

•

this is y the system is SO BROKEN!!! calfresh should cover diapers & formula!!! how r we spsd to feed are babies??? the income limits r a joke nobody can live on what they say is "too much money" smh

0 coins

There's actually a legitimate policy reason why CalFresh (SNAP benefits) doesn't cover non-food items. It's a food assistance program specifically. That's why WIC exists separately - to cover formula and a few specific nutritional foods for infants and children. The real issue is that these programs don't coordinate well together and the application processes are separate, creating gaps like what OP is experiencing.

0 coins

Kaitlyn Otto

•

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get the supplies you needed? The Sacramento Crisis Nursery that someone mentioned is an excellent resource. Also, for future reference, you mentioned you're over the income limit for CalWORKs by just $75. If your situation changes at all or you have any additional expenses that might count as deductions, it's worth reapplying. Sometimes even small changes in circumstances can make you eligible.

0 coins

Yes! Thanks to everyone here I got help. The crisis nursery gave me diapers and I got formula through the Enfamil support program! They're sending me coupons for free cans too. I still have my WIC appointment next week. I'm going to reapply for CalWORKs too because I think I can deduct some childcare expenses I didn't know about before.

0 coins

So glad to hear you got the help you needed! This community really came through for you. For the CalWORKs reapplication, make sure to mention any childcare costs, work-related transportation expenses, and even phone bills if you need your phone for work. Those deductions can make a real difference in qualifying. Also keep all your receipts! Wishing you and your baby all the best.

0 coins

California CalFresh AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
20,095 users helped today