Due to the severe damage and evacuations caused by the Northern California wildfires, the United States Department of Agriculture has approved a waiver for CalFresh recipients in thirteen effected counties to purchase hot and prepared foods. Nevada County is included in this waiver. Standard rules for the CalFresh program do not allow customers to utilize their benefits to purchase these types of items (example: prepared or hot Deli foods). Due to the fact that many people have lost their homes, or are residing outside of their normal residence, the California Department of Social Services recognized the need to request this waiver as people are not able to cook or store their food properly. Retail food stores licensed by the Food and Nutrition Service and located in the approved California counties have been notified that may accept CalFresh benefits in exchange for HOT foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises. The counties included in this waiver are:
Butte, Contra Costa, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa,
Nevada, Orange, Sacramento, Solano, Sonoma, Sutter, and Yuba
These special rules are in effect from October 17 through November 15, 2017
When hot foods are purchased with CalFresh EBT benefits through November 15, 2017, the purchases are NOT subject to sales tax, as the foods mentioned above are considered CalFresh eligible during this period.
CalFresh authorized retail/Grocery food stores in the above counties have been notified and should be allowing customers to use their CalFresh EBT benefits to purchase hot foods and, where practical, may remain on the premises to consume those foods. Thank you for your assistance in aiding those impacted by the wildfires.
If you have additional questions about the CalFresh program or specialized programs currently in effect due to the recent fires please contact the Nevada County Department of Social Services at (530) 265-1340.
