What can I buy with EBT in California
Simple answer
The national food list applies. We did not find a soda or candy waiver for this state.
The USDA waiver page updated October 13, 2026 does not list a soda or candy restriction for California. Last checked October 16, 2026.
Soda and candy
The USDA waiver page updated October 13, 2026 does not list a soda or candy restriction for California. Last checked October 16, 2026.
FNA SNAP food restriction waivers, updated 2026-10-13. Last checked 2026-10-16.
Restaurant meals
California is on USDA's Restaurant Meals Program list. Eligible people can buy prepared meals at approved restaurants. The card is coded by the state. A restaurant does not decide.
To use it, everyone in the SNAP home must be 60 or older, disabled, homeless, or the spouse of someone who qualifies. Source: the USDA Restaurant Meals Program page, last checked 2026-10-16.
Where to use the card
USDA publishes a live store map. We did not copy the stores onto this page. The downloadable file is a history file for 2005 through 2025, so it is not a live nearby list.
SNAP Retailer Locator, updated 2026-09-11.