Nutrition is important!
Good nutrition is essential for all people to live a long, healthy life. Those who live on the margins of society tend to have less access to healthy choices, which is why many organizations offer nutritional options for little to no costs.
Below are public programs available in our community.
Woman, Infants and Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally-funded health and nutrition program.
WIC provides families with:
- Information about nutrition and a healthy lifestyle to support you and your family
- Support and information about breastfeeding your baby
- Help in finding health care and other valuable community services
- Special checks to buy healthy foods from WIC approved grocery stores – such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, milk, eggs, bread, cereal, juice, peanut butter, soy milk, tofu, and much more. (see Authorized Foods)
Participants must meet income guidelines and be:
- A pregnant woman,
- A woman breastfeeding a baby under 1 year of age
- A woman who had a baby in the past 6 months
- have an infant(s) up to their first birthday
- have a child(ren) up to their fifth birthday (See Income guidelines)
For additional questions or assistance:
Call Toll Free 1-800-852-5770 Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm to speak to a live WIC staff person.
For general information only (not a live WIC staff person):
Call the automated toll free number: 1-888-WIC-WORKS (1-888-942-9675) (24 hours a day)
CalFresh (Formerly known as Food Stamps)
CalFresh is a program funded by the USDA to help improve the health and nutrition of families with low incomes. CalFresh can stretch food dollars, allowing families and individuals to buy more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and other healthy foods.
CalFresh is for all types of individuals and families that fit within the eligibility guidelines. CalFresh is not only for mothers or families with children. Fathers, single adults, people with disabilities, and seniors are also eligible for CalFresh. If a parent is ineligible, he or she can apply on behalf of his or her children.
Food Bank for Monterey County
- 815 W Market Street #5, Salinas
- (831) 758-1523
- Emergency Food Assistance:
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) is the largest supplemental food program the Food Bank operates. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food commodities are distributed at 26 sites throughout Monterey County via tailgate distribution monthly. - The Family Market Program
- A free outdoor market for fresh produce
- You can choose from the various options rather than receiving a pre-packaged bag
- Kids N.O.W. – Nutrition on Weekends
- Children are provided with a bag of food to take home with them over weekends and school breaks, so students come back Monday nourished and ready to learn.
- Breast Cancer Patient Food Assistance Program
- Eligible women can sign up for this program through the Breast Cancer Assistance Group of Monterey County
- Provides specially selected, healthful and fresh food
Community Food Bank of San Benito County
- 1133 San Felipe Drive, Hollister
- (831) 637-0340
- USDA Emergency Food Assistance
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps provide supplemental food to those who need it. Food bags are distributed in San Benito County once per month, on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and the preceding Friday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. - The Marketplace
Fresh produce and groceries in a farmer’s market setting. Fridays & Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM - The Boutique
Great quality items including new or gently used clothing, personal care items, and household goods. Wednesday & Thursdays from 9 AM to 12 PM - Student Snack Bags
Call to check the availability of this program at your child’s school. Provides children with food to eat over the weekend - Brown Bag Delivery
Pre-packed bags which are delivered directly to seniors in their homes