The City of San Francisco has activated an emergency response plan to help residents bridge this gap for November. Using a $9.1 million emergency reserve and an additional $6 million donation from the Crankstart Foundation. The City is partnering with the SF-Marin Food Bank and GiveCard to provide temporary food assistance.

• Eligible CalFresh recipients will receive a virtual GiveCard link by mail early next week.

• A 24/7 call center will also assist with requests for a physical card.

• Cards can be used anywhere EBT is accepted (except farmers markets).

• Benefit amounts:

  • $200 for 1–2 people

  • $350 for 3–4 people

  • $500 for 5+ people

• The ADRC will offer technical support for anyone who needs help activating or using their card.

• When CalFresh benefits resume, retroactive payments for November will be issued.

Authorized representatives previously approved for a client’s benefits may assist with card pickup; however, others (including caregivers) cannot pick up a card on someone’s behalf unless formally listed as authorized. Please be aware of fraud. No one from the program will ask for the recipient’s social security number or bank information.

At Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) – San Francisco Chapter, we are deeply concerned about the impact this disruption will have on our older neighbors. If you are matched, please check in with your older adult and see how they are doing.

Together, we can ensure no elder in San Francisco goes hungry during this crisis. Please contact your Senator TODAY to protect these essential programs! To contact them, please use their official websites: house.gov and senate.gov.