CalFresh

What is the CalFresh Outreach Program (CFOP)?

CFOP is funded through the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and is implemented in partnership with county social services offices. It assists people through the entire CalFresh application process including assistance with the application itself, obtaining verification documents, navigating the 30-day application period, as well as the renewal process.

Vision & Mission Statement

The UCSC CalFresh Outreach program believes access to healthy, nutritious and culturally relevant foods is a human right. Acknowledging our collective responsibility to each other’s wellbeing, we aim to empower students to feel confident when using their benefits in all spaces to directly improve a student’s academic performance, physical health, and psychosocial wellbeing.

CalFresh is not inclusive enough to abolish systematic barriers that allow food insecurity to permeate UCSC’s diverse student body. Our program acknowledges that eligibility is a privilege. We dedicate ourselves to advocating for broader and more inclusive means to support those experiencing food insecurity.

Services

  • CalFresh Pre-Screener
    • Don’t know where to start? Take our pre-screener survey to find out if you could qualify for CalFresh benefits. Our program assistants will then contact you within 2-3 business days to help assist you further!
  • Peer-to-Peer Application Assistance 
    • Schedule an appointment with a CFOP Program Assistant if you would like peer-to-peer support to help you get started!
    • For quick questions, email us at calfresh@ucsc.edu
  • Apply on Your Own
    • We are here to help but if you would like to apply on your own, please use the link above to get started.
    • Here is a video tutorial for the CalFresh application. The video contains tips and tricks to make sure you fill out each field correctly.
  • CalFresh Workshop
    • Want your community to learn about CalFresh?
    • Fill out our form to request an event or a visit to your space and we will reach out

Contact Us

  • Have questions, concerns, or disability-related needs?
  • For updates and student resources, follow us on Instagram