All San Diego County CalFresh recipients can use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card to purchase hot and prepared food for a limited time due to the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the California wildfires.
With few exceptions, CalFresh EBT cards usually can only be used to purchase shelf-stable foods. Through February 8, 2025, all CalFresh recipients can purchase hot and prepared food at any authorized EBT retailer.
The temporary change was approved by Food and Nutrition Service for San Diego County which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The agency allows the modification under conditions such as power outages, damage to homes, the displacement of residents, and other conditions that prevent households from purchasing and preparing food.
Food Nutrition Service has notified all authorized San Diego County EBT retailers of the waiver and is encouraging stores to post notices alerting customers of the change.
For a list of authorized EBT retailers, visit fns.usda.gov.
