WIC — California

Food Assistance · California · Free

California WIC provides nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and health referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. Fathers can enroll their qualifying children. Apply at your local county WIC office or online. 83 local WIC agencies statewide. Call (888) 942-9426 for your nearest agency. Benefits provided on an EBT card accepted at most California grocery stores.

Contact & Details

Address: Apply at your county WIC agency

Phone: (888) 942-9426

Hours: Mon-Fri, hours vary by agency

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About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in California

California handles custody in superior courts across all 58 counties. The Department of Child Support Services runs enforcement through local child support agencies (LCSAs) in every county. Los Angeles County operates the largest family court system in the US. Major metros include LA, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, and Sacramento. LA County's LAFLA, Bay Area Legal Aid, and Legal Aid Society of San Diego are the largest legal aid programs.

More Food Assistance in California

  • CalFresh — California SNAP — California's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program providing monthly EBT food benefits to low-income individuals and families. Single ad
  • LA Regional Food Bank — Largest food bank in Southern California distributing over 100 million pounds of food annually to 1+ million people in LA County through 700
  • San Francisco-Marin Food Bank — Distributes 55+ million pounds of food annually in San Francisco and Marin counties through 270+ partner agencies. Free weekly neighborhood
  • Second Harvest of Silicon Valley — One of the nation's largest food banks distributing over 100,000 meals daily across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Free food distributi
  • Feeding San Diego — San Diego County's largest food bank distributing 30+ million pounds of food annually. Partners with 200+ agencies including food pantries,
  • 211 California — Food Assistance — Free 24/7 statewide helpline connecting Californians with local food pantries, food banks, hot meals, and emergency food assistance. Covers

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?
Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?
Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?
Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?
USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.