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CalFresh Emergency Grocery Card Program - HSH Update

Get Your CalFresh Emergency Grocery Card — Fastest by Going Virtual!

Following lawsuits filed by California and other states, California CalFresh recipients are beginning to see the immediate restoration of their full benefits on their EBT cards. Meanwhile, the Emergency Grocery Card Program will continue to be available for San Francisco CalFresh recipients as a one-time emergency prepaid grocery card.

Updated Information: Emergency Grocery Cards for CalFresh Recipients

November 21, 2025

  • The CalFresh Emergency Grocery Card Program is available for San Francisco CalFresh recipients whose cases were active in October as a one-time emergency prepaid grocery card offered through GiveCard.
  • This grocery card is in addition to your November CalFresh benefits. This does NOT affect your November or December CalFresh benefits, or other public benefits.
  • If you ordered a physical card, you need to unlock it in order to use it when you get it in the mail. You can unlock your card online at https://app.givecard.com or by calling SFHSA for help.
  • Your GiveCard does not require a PIN to use. If you are asked for a PIN when using your GiveCard, just press “ENTER” to skip this step.
  • Grocery cards must be activated by December 31, 2025. Funds must be spent by March 31, 2026.
  • We are proud to provide this additional food support to San Franciscans in advance of the holiday season.
  • If you have not received a letter or if you need help activating your virtual or physical grocery card, we are here for you. For support, reach out to:

Download CalFresh Emergency Grocery Cards 11/21 Update Flyer

Overview

All San Francisco CalFresh households will receive a letter from San Francisco Human Services Agency (SFHSA) with instructions and a unique activation code. Here’s how to claim your funds quickly and safely.

The Fastest Way: Activate Your Virtual Card

  • Look for your letter from the SFHSA arriving soon — it includes your activation code and instructions.
  • Activate online to get your virtual card right away.
  • A physical card can also be ordered, but it may take up to 7 days to arrive.

If you need help activating your card:

  • Call SFHSA’s CalFresh team: (855) 355-5757
  • Or reach out to
    • Your shelter case manager
    • An outreach worker
    • Resource Center staff

Didn’t Get Your Letter?

If you have your EBT card or CalFresh case number, you can call SFHSA at (855) 355-5757 to get your unique activation code.

Tip: Virtual cards give you access to your grocery funds right away — no waiting for the mail!

In-Person Pickup — Limited to Specific Addresses

If your CalFresh mailing address is General Delivery (391 Ellis Street) or a P.O. Box, you can pick up your grocery card in person:

  • 170 Otis St. for families with children under 18 on their CalFresh case
  • 1235 Mission St. / Code Tenderloin for all others
  • Monday - Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM
  • Starting Thursday, November 6

This option is only for clients with General Delivery or P.O. Box addresses. All others will be redirected to request a virtual card or a physical card by mail.

Everyone else should check their mail and use their activation code to get their card virtually or by mail.

Have Additional Questions?

This is not a scam. You’ll never be asked for bank account information. A Social Security Number is only requested if you don’t have valid ID and need to verify your identity for in-person pickup.

Community Flyer

This flyer is an overview of how to access the CalFresh Emergency Grocery Card Program: