CalFresh (federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) is a federally mandated, state-supervised, and county-operated government entitlement program that provides monthly food benefits to assist low-income households in purchasing the food they need to maintain adequate nutritional levels.
In general, these benefits are for any food or food product intended for human consumption and can add to your food budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table.
If you are finding it difficult to afford the nutritious food that you and your family needs, the CalFresh Program may be able to help you.
The amount of benefits you can receive is dependent on your family size, countable income, and monthly expenses such as housing, utilities, and so forth.
All u.s. citizens or Legal Permanent Resident children may qualify to receive CalFresh benefits, regardless of where the parents were born.
Parents may also qualify for benefits if all other program guidelines are met. Individuals with no children also may qualify.
The program issues monthly benefits that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores.
These benefits are issued on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card which looks like any other credit card. You do not have to be on welfare to get CalFresh benefits.
Eligibility for CalFresh assistance, as well as the benefit amount, is based on your households size and income level.
Benefits may not be used for items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, or paper products.
Public Assistance Programs
A healthy community is a strong community. San Mateo County strives to ensure that each resident has access to basic needs. We can help you obtain health care, shelter, food and other resources through our services.
Children & Family Services
We protect the welfare of children; improve the lifelong stability of children and youth; and improve the health and strength of families.
Employment Services
Specialists in employment services are waiting to help you.
Offering specialized training, job search workshops, computer/fax access and individual support
Finding and keeping a job, training for a job that is both rewarding and pays a livable wage, preparing yourself for today's changing economy These are just a few of the ways we can help you.
Our partners at The Nova Job Center, a one-stop career tranistion workforce, work closely with local businesses, educators, and job seekers to ensure that our programs provide opportunities that build the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to address the workforce needs of Silicon Valley. Check it out at novaworks.org.
To meet the needs of a changing economy and workforce, we offer new employment programs like SMC Works which provides subsidized employment to parents with children (under the age of 19).
A Helping Hand: Community Resources
San Mateo County residents can access an extensive network of government, private, and community service providers to meet a wide variety of needs.
Regional CORE centers provide an emergency safety net to help residents overcome the most difficult times.
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