In general, CalFresh cannot be used to purchase hot food. California requested a waiver to allow purchase of hot food because of the Los Angeles wildfires. The Food and Nutrition service granted that waiver.
The hot food waiver is not extended until March 10, 2025. This allows purchase of hot food with CalFresh benefits in Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura Counties through March 10, 2025.
The waiver does not allow purchase of food from restaurants unless the household is eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program (which are elderly, disabled, or homeless households.) (Letter from Food and Nutrition Service, February 4, 2025.)