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California

All kinds of help

Food

Help buying groceries and getting meals for you and your family. Your state runs food benefits (SNAP), WIC for pregnant people and young children, and school meals. Food banks and free meal sites near you can help too, often the same day.Help in California.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in California

California programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • California Department of Social Services

    CalFresh

    In California, SNAP is called CalFresh.

    CalFresh helps eligible households buy food each month.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 916-651-8848

  • California Department of Public Health

    California WIC Program

    WIC provides food benefits, nutrition education, and support to eligible pregnant people, new parents, and young children.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 916-558-1784

  • California Department of Education

    National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs

    Participating schools provide free or reduced-price meals to eligible students.

    Ways to apply:PaperIn person

    Agency pageCall 916-319-0800

  • California Department of Education

    SUN Bucks

    SUN Bucks gives eligible school-age children food benefits during summer break.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaper

    Agency pageCall 916-319-0800

Checked on October 8, 2026

Food banks that serve California

Food banks in the Feeding America network supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call yours or check its website to find one close by.

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