We know that this is a difficult time for our community. Not sure how the government shutdown will affect you? Need help with food and don’t know where to start? SFHP is here to help you find support in San Francisco.

Important CalFresh Benefit Updates for November

If you get CalFresh benefits (also known as food stamps), here’s what you need to know about the government shutdown:

  • Starting on Saturday, November 1, you will not get your November CalFresh benefit because of the government shutdown. You should be able to use your November benefits 10 days after the shutdown ends.
  • You can still use any unused (pre-November 1) benefits during the shutdown.

Help for CalFresh Recipients in San Francisco

  • Do you live in San Francisco and get CalFresh benefits? You will soon get gift cards from the City and County of San Francisco. These gift cards have emergency funds to cover your missing benefits for November. Watch for mail from the city next week.
  • DoorDash will deliver one order of groceries for free for every CalFresh recipient.
  • Some Bay Area restaurants, like Al Pastor Papi in San Francisco, are offering:
    • Free meals for children who get CalFresh benefits
    • Discounts for parents

More Food Resources for SF Residents

Even if you don’t have CalFresh, there are many free resources in San Francisco that can help you get healthy groceries or a warm meal.

SF.gov: SF.gov has a helpful guide to food resources in San Francisco, including meal programs and ways to get healthy groceries. Learn more on their website.

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank: The Food Bank provides free, healthy groceries each week to thousands of households. Visit sfmfoodbank.org/find-foodto find food near you.

GLIDE SF: GLIDE’s Daily Free Meals program provides three meals a day for those who need it. They also offer special holiday meals. No eligibility or intake form is needed to get a meal. See mealtimes and learn more: glide.org/programs/daily-free-meals.

Vouchers 4 Veggies – EatSF: 3rd Street Youth Center & Clinic is providing FREE fruit and veggie vouchers for 18-27 year olds who live in San Francisco. No income eligibility or ID needed. To learn more, email [email protected].

Map of Food Resources: Click here to see a map of food pantries, meal sites, and other food resources in San Francisco.

More Help from SFHP

  • Customer Service: If you need help or have questions, call SFHP Customer Service at 1(415) 547-7800, 1(800) 288-5555 (toll-free), or 711 (TTY), Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm.
  • Interpreter Services: You can get an interpreter in-person or by phone for your health visits. When you make an appointment, ask for an interpreter at the same time.
  • Need a Ride? SFHP can help you get transportation to any medical appointment covered by Medi-Cal. Ask your provider or call Customer Service.
  • Interested in Medi-Cal Benefits? See if you or your family can get Medi-Cal through SFHP.

Learn more about your covered Medi-Cal benefits and services.