Information For CalFresh Recipients About the Benefits Delay

Details on how to manage the delay in receiving your food benefits

Note: Published 10/31 - This is a very fluid situation that is changing by the hour. However, we felt as an organization it was important to share what information we have. This article will be updated as we receive additional news and resources.

Update 11/14: San Francisco CalFresh Emergency Aid GiveCards can be spent directly with any farmer or prepared food maker who accepts Visa debit cards. We cannot accept GiveCards at the AIM Information Booth.

Update 11/12: AIM is offering $15 vouchers for EBT customers with a balance below $15 on Sunday, 11/16 at our San Francisco Stonestown and Clement St. markets .

To receive your voucher, visit the Info Booth at the market. While supplies last.

Update 11/5: AIM will be providing $15 bonus dollars to anyone with a valid EBT at The Rollin’ Root. No EBT balance required, simply show us your card and we’ll help you purchase food. Offer valid at any The Rollin’ Root stop while we have sufficient funds.

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Due to the government shutdown, CalFresh benefits will not be distributed to recipients in time for November. What does this mean for CalFresh recipients?

• Any balance in your account will rollover and remain in your account for you to use. You will not lose any existing benefits.

• Market Match is still in effect.

  • Our farmers markets will continue to match your CalFresh benefits up to $15 a day.

  • You can continue to visit multiple markets a week to receive the $15 daily match.

• Market Match at The Rollin’ Root is unlimited.

  • Your dollars will be matched for any sized purchase, as long as it is within your EBT limit.

  • If you are looking to maximize your Market Match benefits, consider visiting one of our San Francisco or Marin stops.

• If you have any silver EBT or purple Market Match coins from prior market visits, those can continue to be used.

What Is Being Done to Alleviate This?

While there is work being done at state level, additional organizational and governmental support varies among the three counties that AIM services.

California

Governor Newsom has release $80 million to support food banks across California.

San Francisco County residents

San Francisco will be providing GiveCards to cover CalFresh benefits for the month of November. GiveCards will function similarly to gift cards. San Francisco CalFresh recipients will receive a QR code by mail by the middle of the first week of November. This code will allow recipients to digitally download the funds or to request a physical card. San Francisco CalFresh users can expect to receive:

• $200 for 1–2 person households 

• $350 for 3–4 person households 

• $500 for households of 5 or more

Update 11/14: GiveCards can be spent directly with any farmer or prepared food maker who accepts Visa debit cards. We cannot accept GiveCards at the AIM Information Booth.

Alameda County residents

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors has voted to release $10 million to the Alameda Community Food Bank as well as Meals on Wheels and other senior support services. A release date for these funds has yet to be determined.

Marin County residents

The Marin County Board of Supervisors is meeting Tuesday, November 4 to discuss these issues. AIM, Extra Food, SF Marin Food Bank will a letter suggesting how to use the funds for short term relief and longer term strategy.

Update 11/5: The Marin Board of Supervisors approved $800,000 in emergency response funding. AIM is working with SF-Marin Food Bank, ExtraFood, and the Feeding Workgroup on a plan to distribute these funds.

I Need Food Now. Where Can I Go?

Please visit the California Association of Food Banks to find a location near you. You can also call "2-1-1" on any phone to speak with someone to connect you with available food and community services.

AIM will be providing $15 bonus dollars to anyone with a valid EBT at The Rollin’ Root. No EBT balance required, simply show us your card and we’ll help you purchase food. Offer valid at any The Rollin’ Root stop while we have sufficient funds.

AIM is offering $15 vouchers at Stonestown and Clement St. markets for EBT customers with a balance below $15.