CalFresh is a financial aid program for food. If you're a student enrolled half-time
or more, you might be eligible for CalFresh if ONE of the following apply:
Participate in EOPS/CARE, ASC (Previously known as DSPS), Puente, or MESA
Participate in foster youth programs such as Guardian Scholars, FYSI, NextUp, extended
foster care (AB 12/AB 212)
Have dependent children under the age of 12
Receive CalWORKs
Approved for work study
Work 20 hours/week; or an average of 80 hours/month
CalFresh, also referred to as SNAP (Supplemental Food Assistance Program), is a program
available to help meet the basic needs of Californians by providing monthly benefits
on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to buy nutritious food.
Many college students are eligible for financial aid to assist with paying for college.
Consider CalFresh as your food aid to help you focus on school and stay healthy. CalFresh
benefits help increase the amount of money available to purchase food, allowing individuals,
including college students, and families to afford nutritious options including fruits,
vegetables, organic foods, and more.
No. CalFresh benefits are provided in addition to financial aid. They do not negatively
impact eligibility or total amount you will receive in financial aid.
If you tried to enroll in CalFresh and received a Notice of Action letter saying you
have been denied, we encourage you to call your county office. Most cases can be resolved
by calling the county directly and asking for clarification about why the decision
has been made. If you disagree with the decision made by the county about your case,
fill out the back of the 'Notice of Action' to submit an appeal.
Participants can use their benefits to purchase food— including refrigerated prepared
meals—and seeds for growing their own food. CalFresh benefits are accepted at many
local grocery stores and farmers' markets, allowing you to buy fresh, local fruits
and vegetables. Additionally, benefits can be used at participating restaurants and
fast food locations such as:
Some noncitizens may be eligible for CalFresh (GetCalFresh.org/immigrants). Even if you are not eligible for CalFresh, other members of your family may be
eligible. Getting CalFresh won't count as a public charge if you are working toward
citizenship. If you are undocumented and experiencing food insecurity, check with
your college's UndocuAlly for resources around campus food pantry and local food banks. Sharing your immigration
status is not required to use their services.
If you feel comfortable applying for CalFresh on your own, application can be completed
in less that 10 minutes by visiting TheCalFresh Application website.
A household is a person or group of people who buy and prepare food together.
You may live with people who don't count as a household member, under CalFresh standards
such as a roommate, who purchases and prepares their own food.
If you are under the age of 22 and live with biological, adoptive, or stepparents
you must apply together, even if you purchase and prepare your own food.
If you are married and live with your spouse, you and your spouse must apply as one
household.
Unmarried couple living together with a common child must apply together.
Online grocery shoppingat select retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Safeway, Albertsons, Vons and Instacart.
(Delivery fees cannot be paid for with CalFresh benefits).
In most cases, the county has 30 days after you turn in your application to determine
if you will get CalFresh food benefits. During the 30 days, the county office will
interview you. The interview will be either over the phone or in person to go over
your application with you.
The county may call from a blocked or unknown number. Try to answer your phone calls
from unrecognized numbers after submitting your application.
If you missed your interview, call your county office to reschedule.
If an interview is not completed within 30 days, you may need to re-apply to CalFresh.
