This page shares Nevada County-specific information about CalFresh benefits during the current federal government shutdown.
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Food Access | Frequently Asked Questions | CalFresh Key Information
Local Food Resources
Below are free and low-cost food programs available throughout Nevada County. Dial 2-1-1 or Find Resources to explore additional options.
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church | Community Meal
201 Nevada Street, Nevada City, CA 95959
Webpage | 530-265-8836
- Bi-weekly hot meals offered on alternating Tuesdays
- Indoor seating available
Gold Country Senior Services | Congregate Lunch Cafe
231 Colfax Avenue, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Webpage | 530-273-4961
- Lunch served at noon on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
- Indoor dining for older adults
- Closed on holidays and during unsafe travel conditions
- First-time participants must complete an intake form
Additional information:
- Adults 60+ may donate $4 per meal (suggested)
- Adults under 60 may attend as guests for $10
Sierra Roots | Meals and Clothing
300 Main Street, Nevada City, CA 95945 (First Community Church)
Webpage | 530-751-3263
- Clothing offered every two weeks
- Lunch served Thursdays at 11:30am (winter only)
- Weekly access to clothing, socks, shoes
The Food Bank of Nevada County
The Food Bank of Nevada County offers fresh fruits, vegetables, pantry staples, and more. They may ask for basic information about you and your household.
Below is a list of food distribution sites.
Grass Valley
- 12289 Osborne Hill Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95945
- 2nd and 4th Thursday from 10-1pm
North San Juan
- 18847 Oak Tree Rd, North San Juan, CA 95959
- 2nd Tuesday from 10-12pm
Washington
- 15406 Washington Rd, Washington, CA 95986
- 3rd and 5th Wednesday at 12pm
Truckee
- 12116 Chandelle Way, Suite D2, Truckee, CA 96161
- Every Tuesday from 4-5pm
Higgins
- 22559 W. Hacienda Dr, Grass Valley, CA 95945
- 3rd Thursday from 3:30-5:30pm
Additional
- 12289 Osborne Hill Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95945
- As needed, 10-12pm
Interfaith Food Ministry
Interfaith Food Ministry provides supplemental groceries, including baby formula and baby food when available, to low-income people and families. They may ask for basic information about you and your household.
Weekly Distributions
- 440 Henderson Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945
- Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am-1pm; every Saturday from 10am-1pm
Meals on Wheels | Nevada County
Webpage | 530-446-6853
- Weekly delivery on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- For older adults unable to cook or shop
- Suggested donation: $4 per meal
The Food Bank of Nevada County’s Home Delivery | FREED
Webpage | 530-477-3333
- For seniors and people with disabilities
- Offered by FREED Center for Independent Living
- Deliveries occur twice a month
Mom’s Meals
Webpage | No local primary phone
- Delivered meals for eligible Medi-Cal and Medicare Advantage participants
- Meals tailored to health needs
- Requires medical plan approval
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are November CalFresh benefits delayed?
The federal government is shut down. Until it reopens, benefits cannot be issued.
When will the shutdown end?
No date is confirmed. Updates will be shared on Nevada County’s website and social media channels when available.
Will I get CalFresh benefits this month?
Due to recent court rulings, the California Department of Social Services initiated the process to load full November CalFresh benefits onto EBT cards. Yesterday, benefits began loading for Californians that normally receive their CalFresh issuance between the 1st and 7th. Further, CalFresh benefits are on track to be issued normally for customers who receive them between the 8th and 10th.
How can I check when my benefits arrive?
- Call the number on the back of the EBT card.
- Use the EBT Edge app.
- Visit cdss.ca.gov for statewide updates.
Can I still use my EBT card?
Yes, any remaining balance from previous months is still available to spend.
Is Social Services open?
Yes, Nevada County Social Services is open and assisting clients as usual.
Are BenefitsCal and EBT Edge working?
Yes; both platforms remain active.
Why should I still submit forms and do interviews?
Even though benefits are delayed, cases are still active; submitting paperwork on time can help prevent further delays once the shutdown ends.
Can I request a hearing?
At this time, hearings can’t restart benefits. Judges do not have authority to issue CalFresh benefits without federal funding.
Are CalWORKs benefits affected?
November CalWORKs benefits are funded. If the shutdown continues, December CalWORKs benefits could be affected.
Can I still apply for CalFresh?
Yes, new applications are still being accepted.
If I apply now, when will I receive benefits?
Typically, CalFresh benefits are issued within 30 days. However, benefits cannot be issued until the government reopens.
CalFresh Key Information
What You Can Do
Latest Update | November 7, 2025
On November 6th, the California Department of Social Services initiated the process to load full November CalFresh benefits onto EBT cards.
Yesterday, benefits began loading for Californians that normally receive their CalFresh issuance between the 1st and 7th. Further, CalFresh benefits are on track to be issued normally for customers who receive them between the 8th and 10th. 🔗
Please note: It can take time for benefits to load to EBT cards.
- Download EBTedge to check your balance, transactions, and more.
- Create a BenefitsCal account to link your case for things like renewals and document uploading.
- Call 2-1-1 if you need immediate community food resources.