CalFresh, formerly known as Food Stamps and known federally as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), provides extra funds to help those who are in need each month to buy groceries.

CalFresh provides people with electronic “debit” cards (known as EBT) which they can use to buy most foods at many grocery stores, farmers markets, and some corner markets/gas stations.

Applying for CalFresh

• Californians can visit BenefitsCal.com or GetCalFresh.org to apply or call 877-847-3663 (FOOD)
• CalFresh is a low income program; the gross income limit is 200% of the Federal Poverty Line
  • That said, CalFresh program rules are complex; some income is not countable, and some individuals with income below 200% FPL may not qualify for CalFresh

ebtEDGE

• The ebtEDGE application provides EBT cardholders with increased card/account management tools
• It can be downloaded from the app store, or accessed via a web browser

Additional notes:

Several Nev…

The Nevada County Department of Social Services provides information on how to replace food that was lost or damaged in a qualifying emergency using CalFresh.

A form must be submitted within 10 days of the end of an event, such as a power outage. Sometimes counties extend the deadline beyond 10 days.

To Apply for Replacement Benefits

Complete and submit Replacement or Disaster Supplement Affidavit (CF 303) to apply for CalFresh replacement benefits after disaster.

• In Person | Nevada County Department of Social Services suggests that people come in person to a DSS office for most efficient service.
• Online | BenefitsCal.com

Forms

Fax the completed form to 530-265-9860.

• English CF 303 form
• Spanish CF 303 form

Locations

• Grass Valley | Brighton Greens
  • 988 McCourtney Road, Grass Valley, CA 95949
  • 530-265-1340
• Nevada City | Eric Rood Administrative Center
  • 950 Maidu Ave, Suite 120, Nevada City, CA 95959
  • 530-265-1340
• Truckee | Nevada Cou…

The Nevada County Department of Social Services provides drop-in benefits information and application assistance.

They help people in enrolling in or renewing benefits programs like:

• Cash Assistance | CalWORKs & more
• Food Assistance | CalFresh
• Healthcare | Medi-Cal
• Housing
• In-Home Supportive Services
• Veterans Services

Drop-In Days and Locations

• Grass Valley Library
  • 207 Mill St, Grass Valley, CA 95945
  • 530-273-4117
  • First Tuesdays, 10:30am-12:30pm
• Madelyn Helling Library
  • 980 Helling Way, Nevada City, CA 95959
  • 530-265-7050
• First Wednesdays, 10am-12pm

Additional notes:

These are drop-in services and no appointment is necessary.

Web pages

• Home - https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/879/Social-Services
• Drop-in Services Information - https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=7270

The Emergency Relief Program provides short-term assistance to help non-residents who are stranded in Nevada County return to their place of residence. Assistance is offered as a loan and may include temporary lodging, food support, transportation funding, and travel fare.

Services include:

• Motel vouchers as short-term shelter
• Food vouchers for basic needs
• Gas funds for travel
• Bus fare assistance for transportation

People must apply in person at one of the three Nevada County Department of Social Services locations:

• Brighton Greens, 988 McCourtney Road, Grass Valley, CA 95949, 530-265-1340 (same phone as for Rood Center)
• Eric Rood Government Center, 950 Maidu Ave, Nevada City, CA 95959, 530-265-1340 (same phone as for Brighton Greens)
• Nevada County Joseph Center, 10075 Levon Ave, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-582-7803

Web pages

• Home - https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/879/Social-Services

The Environmental Health Department manages programs focused on environmental protection and some aspects of public health in Nevada County.

These programs regulate food preparation in restaurants, installation of wells and septic systems, handling hazardous materials and other topics related to consumer protection.

Web pages

• ​Home - https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/1470/Environmental-Health
• Environmental Health Services (including how to report an Environmental Health issue) - https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/1572/Services
• West Nile Virus & Mosquito Prevention, including info about mosquito fish give away events - https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/2291/West-Nile-Virus-Mosquito-Prevention

The Nevada County Department of Social Services offers a supplemental assistance program for adults who do not qualify for federal or state programs such as CalWORKs or SSI/SSP. 

The program is designed to meet basic needs when no other resources are available and serves as a last-resort safety net. General Assistance is a repayable grant, not an entitlement.

Services include:

• Emergency cash assistance for housing, food, and basic needs
• Temporary employment services for individuals deemed employable

Program eligibility is determined through a needs assessment and requires repayment under certain conditions.

Web pages

• Home - https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/1626/Cash-Assistance-for-Individuals

Nevada County's Fraud Prevention Team works directly with our customers to provide guidance on program regulations, and help them make choices that are aligned with program rules. The Fraud Prevention Team's focus is to stop fraud before it happens. In situations where fraud has already occurred, the Fraud Prevention Team oversees Administrative Disqualification Hearings and collaborates with the District Attorney's office when criminal prosecution is warranted.

If you suspect fraud with CalFresh (Food Stamps/EBT), Medi-Cal Coverage, General Assistance, CalWORKs, or any other County of Nevada Social Services program, call 530-265-1792 or email dss@nevadacountyca.gov

Web pages

• Home - https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/1552/Fraud-Prevention

The Holy Trinity Episcoal Church offers a weekly community meal to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

Services include:

• A free hot meal every Tuesday
• Indoor dining space for guests

Web pages

• Home - https://holytrinitynevadacity.org/

The San Juan Ridge PARTNERS Family Resource Center (FRC) provides families in the San Juan Ridge area with information and referrals to local resources, services, and facilities on a drop-in basis for visitors of all ages.

General services include:

• Playgroups for children ages 0-5
• Weekly activities for older children
• Child development information
• Parenting support
• Counseling
• Education
• Employment tools

Specific offerings include:

• Buss passes
  • Bus passes are issued as 2 one-way trips with transfers that can be used on all routes to make a roundtrip from the San Juan Ridge.
• Laundry vouchers
  • Laundry vouchers come with one detergent pod and are good for a single wash and dry at Launderland in Grass Valley. 
  • Details for when and how to redeem is printed on the voucher. 
  • The number of laundry vouchers issued at one time will depend on family size and other factors.
• Adult yoga
  • Mon 6-7:15pm and Wed 9-10:30am
• A food pantry
  • Tue & Thu 12-3pm (for emergencies)
• A computer, phone, fax, and p…

The Nevada City Farmers Market offers a seasonal market where local farmers, artisans, and food vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, and prepared foods.

Services include:

• Access to locally grown fruits and vegetables
• Artisan goods and handmade crafts
• Ready-to-eat foods from local vendors
• Seasonal community space with rotating vendors

2025 Summer Market:

• Every Saturday, 8:30am - 1pm
• April 12th - December 20th, 2025
• Outdoors on Union Street, Downtown Nevada City

Web pages

• Home - https://www.ncfarmersmarket.org/