In California, two programs are making it easier for families to access nutritious food: Double Up Food Bucks and CalFresh. The Double Up Food Bucks program, though less well-known, is a game-changer for those using EBT SNAP benefits.
It allows you to stretch your food dollars, especially when purchasing fresh produce, providing instant savings at participating stores and farmers’ markets. Let’s take a closer look at how these programs can benefit you.
What is the Double Up Food Bucks Program?
The Double Up Food Bucks program works by offering additional credit when you use your EBT SNAP benefits to buy fresh, California-grown fruits and vegetables. For example, if you spend $10 on local strawberries, you’ll get an extra $10 in credit to use for your next fruit or vegetable purchase.
This program helps families buy more healthy food at participating supermarkets and farmers’ markets, making it a useful tool for managing food expenses.
When you use your CalFresh card at stores that participate in the program, you’ll receive an instant reward in the form of a printed coupon at supermarkets or Match Tokens at farmers’ markets. These tokens or coupons can then be used for your next purchase of eligible fruits and vegetables.
Where and How Does Double Up Food Bucks Work?
The Double Up Food Bucks program is available in several counties across California, such as Alameda, Santa Clara, Monterey (including cities like Salinas, Greenfield, and King City), and Mendocino.
The program operates in various local grocery stores and farmers’ markets, including independent grocers like Arteaga’s and Harvest Market, as well as Market Match-affiliated farmers’ markets.
Here are some key limits to keep in mind:
Grocery Stores: Typically, you can earn up to $10 per day in rewards in counties like Alameda and Santa Clara.
Farmers’ Markets (Rural Areas): In some rural locations, the reward can go as high as $15 or $30 per day.
Mendocino Area: Some areas have monthly caps on rewards, such as $60 per month.
The program is supported by local organizations like SPUR, Blue Zones, and Aspire Health, with funding from the USDA and state government. Though funding may fluctuate, the program will continue to run as new funds become available.
CalFresh Benefits in July 2025
CalFresh, California’s version of the federal SNAP program, provides crucial food assistance to residents who are struggling with food insecurity. It helps by providing monthly benefits via an EBT card that works like a debit card at supermarkets and farmers’ markets. These benefits are calculated based on your household size, income, and expenses.
For July 2025, the benefits are issued on the following schedule based on the last digit of your case number:
Last digit 1: Benefits deposited on July 1, 2025
Last digit 2: Benefits deposited on July 2, 2025
Last digit 3: Benefits deposited on July 3, 2025
Last digit 4: Benefits deposited on July 4, 2025
Last digit 5: Benefits deposited on July 5, 2025
Last digit 6: Benefits deposited on July 6, 2025
Last digit 7: Benefits deposited on July 7, 2025
Last digit 8: Benefits deposited on July 8, 2025
Last digit 9: Benefits deposited on July 9, 2025
Last digit 0: Benefits deposited on July 10, 2025
The amount you receive varies depending on your household size and income. Here are the maximum benefit amounts for July 2025:
1 person: $292
2 people: $536
3 people: $768
4 people: $975
5 people: $1,158
6 people: $1,390
7 people: $1,536
8 people: $1,756
Each additional person: $220 extra
Do You Qualify for CalFresh?
To qualify for CalFresh, you must meet three main requirements:
- Be a California resident.
- Have a qualified immigration status (either U.S. citizenship or certain legal immigration categories).
- Meet strict income limits. Your gross monthly income must be less than 200% of the federal poverty level, and your net income must be less than 100% of the poverty level. For example, a 3-person household can’t exceed $4,304 gross or $2,152 net income each month.
How to Access CalFresh Benefits
Getting your CalFresh benefits is easier than it sounds:
Online: You can apply quickly through websites like GetCalFresh.org or BenefitsCal.com.
By Phone or In-Person: Contact your local county social services office. You can also call 1-877-847-3663 for assistance and to schedule an interview.
Local Centers: If you prefer personalized help, visit a community office near you.
For many California residents, CalFresh and Double Up Food Bucks are essential programs that offer much-needed food security. Whether it’s through the extended benefits of Double Up Food Bucks to buy more fresh produce or the monthly CalFresh payments to cover your grocery needs, these resources make a significant difference in the fight against hunger.
If you qualify, don’t hesitate to access these benefits to help provide healthy meals for your family while also easing financial stress.
