Call the Community Food Hotline at (831) 662-0991 for information and assistance in applying for food stamps. PLEASE NOTE: Food stamp benefits increased on October 1st, 2009 as a result of the stimulus bill. This increase is expected to be temporary.
*New* You can now pre-screen yourself for food stamps benefits eligibility online. We can also walk you through the process if you call our hotline number. Click here to access the Benefits CalWIN system.
*Did you know that you can use Food Stamps at the Farmers’ Market? Scroll down to learn more!
Do You Qualify For Food Stamps?
You may qualify for food stamps from Santa Cruz County if you can answer yes to all the questions listed below:
1. Are you a resident of Santa Cruz County?
2. Are you or your children a U.S. citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident?
3. Is your household’s gross monthly income within the limits listed below?
Are You Eligible for Food Stamps?
There are a few considerations to take into account when your eligibility is determined by the County, but a good place to start is your income. You are likely to be eligible if you make less than:
| Household Size | Monthly Income |
| 1 | $1180 |
| 2 | $1594 |
| 3 | $2008 |
| 4 | $2422 |
| 5 | $2836 |
| 6 | $3249 |
| 7 | $3663 |
| 8 | $4077 |
*add $414 for each additional person
How many food stamps can you receive?
The maximum amount of food stamps depends on the size of your household:
| Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Max Amount | $200 | $367 | $526 | $668 |
| Household Size | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8* |
| Max Amount | $793 | $952 | $1,052 | $1,202 |
* add $150 for each additional person
To seek assistance directly through the county, go to:
Help SCC
County Government Office
Workforce Santa Cruz county
Where Can You Use Your SNAP Card?
Use this handy online guide to find the nearest retailer who accepts SNAP cards.
Farmers’ Markets that Accept SNAP Cards in Santa Cruz County
Downtown Santa Cruz – Lincoln and Center Streets
Westside Santa Cruz – Near the old Wrigley’s on Mission Extension
Watsonville – Peck Street
Santa Cruz – East Cliff Shopping Center
Felton- Highway 9 at Russell
How Does it Work?
Swipe your card with the market manager for a specific dollar amount, like a debit card. The manager will give you a corresponding amount of tokens, which you can use to buy fruits and vegetables at the farmers’ market.