Home🥗 Food & NutritionCalifornia Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
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California Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

Administered by California Department of Social Services / USDA · cdss.ca.gov

Federally funded program distributing USDA commodity foods through local food banks and pantries at no cost to low-income individuals and families. Operates through the California Association of Food Banks statewide network.

Eligibility requirements

  • Individuals and households with income at or below 185% FPL
  • No documentation required at most sites
  • Access through local food banks, pantries, and community distribution sites
  • Find locations at 211 or local food bank websites.

How to apply

Apply directly on the official website. GrantLantern does not process applications — we link you directly to the source.

Apply at cdss.ca.gov

Opens the official source. GrantLantern is not affiliated with this program.

Program details sourced from official government and agency websites. Eligibility is determined by the administering agency — not GrantLantern. Verify current requirements at the official source before applying.

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