The Food Stamp Program helps people with low income buy the food they need for good health. San Benito County issues Food Stamp benefits through the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer or EBT card. Each month the family’s food stamp benefits are automatically put on the card. Most retailers accept the EBT card. Food Stamps can only be used for food and for plants and seeds to grow food for your household to eat.  Food Stamps cannot be used to purchase such things as: Non-food items, such as pet foods, paper products, and household supplies. Grooming items, toothpaste, and cosmetics. Alcohol or tobacco. Vitamins and medicines. Sales Tax. Households that are applying for public assistance can apply for food stamps at the same time as they apply for public assistance. A food stamp worker will explain the program rules and help complete any parts of the application that have not been filled out. The worker will ask for proof of information that has been provided on the application. The worker will explain anything that the applicant does not understand; it is important that participants understand the rules of the program. It may be possible to receive expedited food stamps within 3 days, if the family has little or no money and needs to be seen right away. All participants access their benefits at Point of Sale (POS) devices located in grocery stores and retail food merchants. San Benito County  Health and Human Services 1111 San Felipe Rd. Suite 206 Hollister, CA 95023 (831) 636-4180 TTY for Speech/Hearing Impaired (831) 637-7983 or Call California Relay Service at: TTY Calls: 1-800-735-2929 Speech to Speech Calls use: 1-800-854-7784