Need Financial Help to Buy Food? Here’s How If You Live in California, Texas, or New York

• Food benefits are available through state programs in California, Texas, and New York to support low-income families.
• Millions of Hispanics qualify but have not yet applied for this assistance.
• The programs will remain active in 2025, with adjustments to amounts and restrictions depending on the state.

Buying groceries every month can be difficult when income is limited.

In the U.S., food assistance programs provide financial support to put food on the table.

California, Texas, and New York have specific options that the Hispanic community can access. Here’s how they work.

CalFresh California: Direct Support for Families

The CalFresh California program helps more than 4.8 million people in 2.6 million households.

However, nearly 2 million eligible Californians have not yet applied.

Food benefits arrive on a debit-style card that can be used in supermarkets such as Trader Joe’s or online at Amazon.

The monthly allocation varies by household: from $292 per month for one person to $1,158 for a family of five. You can apply on the official site or by calling 1-877-847-3663 (available in Spanish).

SNAP in Texas: Changes and Restrictions

In Texas, the SNAP program provides benefits through the Lone Star card.

It works like a debit card to buy food, but there are rules:

• Beginning in April 2026, SNAP funds can no longer be used to buy candy, tobacco, alcohol, or sugary drinks.
• The goal is to promote healthier habits and reduce illnesses linked to sugar consumption.
• The maximum benefit is $292 for one person and up to $1,756 for a family of eight.

To qualify, adults aged 18 to 54 without children can only receive benefits for three months within a three-year period—unless they work 20 hours per week or participate in employment programs.

For questions, call the Lone Star Card help desk at 800-777-7328.

SNAP in New York: Access with an EBT Card

In New York, SNAP benefits are provided through an EBT card that works like a debit or credit card in authorized stores.

• The benefit amounts and income requirements are the same as in Texas: $292 maximum for one person and up to $1,756 for a family of eight.
• Eligible households include working families with low income, seniors, and people with disabilities.

For more information, contact your local Department of Social Services or call 1-800-342-3009.

What’s Next for Food Assistance Programs

In 2025, these benefits will remain available.

The challenge is ensuring that more Hispanic families are informed and apply for support.

• California still has millions of eligible residents who have not applied for CalFresh.
• Texas will see the most notable changes: new product restrictions begin in 2026.
• New York is expected to maintain stable access and benefit amounts in the coming years.