Establishing Eligibility for Free Meals

This Management Bulletin provides clarification regarding the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and CalFresh (previously known as Food Stamps) case numbers to establish eligibility for free meals in all child nutrition programs.

Definition of Terms:

• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
  This federal program, which replaces Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), provides monetary assistance to families in need. A TANF case number is assigned to families or individuals eligible to receive benefits.
• California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs).
  This is the title California uses for the federal TANF program. The terms TANF and CalWORKs refer to the same basic program and are used interchangeably in child nutrition documents. A CalWORKs case number is assigned to families or individuals eligible to receive benefits.
• CalFresh case number.
  This is a number assigned to a family or individual currently eligible for CalFresh benefits. Check with your local welfare office for the CalFresh case number format used in your area.
• Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card.
  A contracted manufacturer provides this card to a CalFresh recipient. The EBT card works much like a retail debit card in that a certain level of benefits are assigned to it. As the CalFresh recipient uses the benefits, the balance diminishes. Depending on the recipient, additional benefits may or may not be renewed each month.

All Points Bulletin (ABP) CNP-00-10 states that CalWORKs/TANF or CalFresh case numbers may be used to establish a child's eligibility for free meals in child nutrition programs. The State of California, through the CalWORKs program, determines the nature and extent of benefits under the TANF program. If a child receives CalWORKs benefits or resides in a household that receives CalFresh benefits, the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service considers the child categorically eligible for free meals. Placement of the proper CalFresh or CalWORKs case number on the free and reduced price meal application allows an automatic determination of eligibility for free meal benefits. You should check with your local welfare office to determine the appropriate CalFresh and CalWORKs case number formats. Any number provided on the application for free and reduced price meals that does not meet this designated format for your area should be questioned.

The EBT card is not considered as proof of eligibility for food stamp benefits. The EBT card does not reflect the current food stamp eligibility status of the recipient. Also, the person who has possession of the EBT card may be acting on behalf of the CalFresh recipient and may not be eligible for CalFresh benefits themselves.