What’s next after Bento: a guide to food resources in California
Reaching the end of your Bento authorization period doesn’t mean reaching the end of your support. New York State has one of the strongest food assistance networks in the nation — from federal benefits to city-run pantries to community meal programs. Here’s a rundown of what’s available and how to access it.
Start here: CalFresh (California’s SNAP program)
CalFresh is the single biggest food resource available to low-income Californians. If you qualify, it puts money directly on a benefit card (EBT) that works like a debit card at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and many online retailers including Amazon and Walmart.
Am I eligible?
You may qualify if:
You live in California
You’re a U.S. citizen or have a legal immigration status
You meet the income limits. A single adult earning under roughly $2,005/month may qualify. Families of four can earn up to around $4,132/month.*
You spend a lot of your income on rent, bills, or child care
*Based on 2025 guidelines - this number may change
Don’t worry if you're not sure—many people are eligible without realizing it.
What do I need to apply?
To apply, it helps to have:
ID (like a driver’s license or Medi-Cal card)
Proof of income (like a pay stub or benefits letter)
Rent or housing costs
A list of monthly expenses (utilities, child care, etc.)
How to get started
You can apply in about 10 minutes:
Go to getcalfresh.org for a quick and easy application
Or visit benefitscal.com to apply for CalFresh and other benefits like Medi-Cal
You can also apply by phone or in person if you prefer at your nearest DSS office. (locate an office near you at this link)
Produce programs & farmers market benefits
If you have a CalFresh EBT card, you may be able to double your purchasing power at California farmers markets through Market Match — a program that matches EBT dollars spent on produce up to $10 per market visit.
Market Match
Double your EBT dollars at participating CA farmers markets. Find a location near you.
WIC: Support for Women, Infants, and Children
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program offers supplemental food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to:
Pregnant women
Postpartum and breastfeeding mothers
Infants and children under 5
Eligibility is based on income and nutritional risk. WIC benefits are provided through checks or digital payment cards redeemable at authorized grocery stores.
To find a local WIC clinic or apply, visit my family.wic.ca.gov.
Food banks & pantries across California
California’s 41 regional food banks collectively distribute hundreds of millions of pounds of food each year. Most offer drive-through or walk-up distributions — no appointment needed, and no proof of income required at many locations.
Statewide
Feeding America Finder
Enter your zip code to find the nearest food bank or pantry in any California county.
Statewide
211 California
Call or text 211 to be connected to local food pantries, hot meals, and emergency food boxes near you. Free, 24/7.
Bay Area
Alameda County Community Food Bank
One of the largest food banks in the state, serving Oakland and surrounding areas.
Los Angeles
LA Regional Food Bank
Distributes food through 600+ partner agencies across LA County. Find your closest site online.
San Diego
Feeding San Diego
Weekly distribution events throughout San Diego County, open to all residents.
Central Valley
Central California Food Bank
Serves Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Tulare counties with regular distribution events.
Community meals & hot food programs
If you need a hot meal today, these programs serve cooked food at no cost throughout California.
Loaves & Fishes — Free hot meals in Sacramento and several Northern California cities
Catholic Charities — Hot meal programs in most major California counties
Salvation Army — Community dinners and emergency food boxes statewide
Local churches & mosques — Many host weekly free meals. Look online to find events near you.
For seniors (60+)
California seniors have access to dedicated food programs beyond general CalFresh.
Meals on Wheels California — Free hot meal delivery for homebound seniors. Find your local program at mowca.org
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program — Annual coupons to buy fresh produce at farmers markets for low-income seniors (60+)
Congregate Meal Sites — Hot meals served at senior centers. Contact your county Area Agency on Aging to find sites near you.
One phone call can connect you to everything.
If navigating multiple websites feels overwhelming, just call or text 211. A trained specialist will listen to your situation and connect you with the specific food programs available in your zip code — in your language, at no cost, 24 hours a day.