General Calfresh Tips

Here’s a list of miscellaneous Calfresh tips that I’ve discovered.

• While you shouldn’t feel embarrassed at all for using your Calfresh card, I understand that it might be initially intimidating when you use your EBT card for the first few times. Try the self-checkout option if you don’t feel comfortable.
• While you can’t purchase rotisserie chicken, you can purchase sushi. Many supermarkets such as Ralph’s have prepackaged sushi available. I don’t condone purchasing sushi all of the time, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with buying it once in a while. The taste is surprisingly not bad!
• Since most supermarkets accept EBT, try to check out different supermarkets. For example, many Asian grocery stores contain products that can’t be commonly found in other supermarkets. Explore your options!
• Purchase organic food. Prior to receiving Calfresh, I had never even considered buying organic before. Having an EBT card has enabled me to shop at places such as Whole Foods. Increased purchasing power has given me the ability to make healthier food choices.
• Supermarkets categorize products differently. This tip might seem a bit specific, but it’s been extremely helpful. Since all supermarkets categorize their food differently, some supermarkets might count an item as EBT eligible, while another supermarket might count the same product as ineligible. For example, when I tried to purchase flaxseeds at Whole Foods, it was considered as a “supplement,” so it was not EBT qualified. When I went to Trader Joe’s, flaxseeds were classified as regular food, so I was able to purchase them using my EBT card.
• Bags are free. If you have Calfresh, you’re eligible at most supermarkets for free bags (This tip might be helpful when you forget to bring a bag, but generally I’d advise bringing a reusable bag).