CalFresh 101
What Is CalFresh?
CalFresh, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a nutrition program that can help you stretch your monthly budget by as much as $234 per month! CalFresh can provide eligible students with the ability to buy and eat nutritious and healthy foods!
CalFresh benefits are pre-loaded monthly into an EBT card that can be used like a debit card at most major chain grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s, Safeway, and Costco. It can also be used at some smaller stores, and farmers’ markets.
Who Qualifies?
AB1930 has made CalFresh more inclusive for college student enrollment. If you have any of the following qualifications, you are potentially eligible for CalFresh:
- Approved for Work Study
- Work Part-Time (20+ hours/week or average about 80 hours/month)
- Receive CalGrant A or B
- Campus Employment
- Participate in an Extended Foster Care (AB 12/AB 212) Program
- Chafee Educational Training Voucher Program
- Have a dependent under 12
- Your Major or Minor is an LPIE*
*What is LPIE? LPIE stands for Local Programs that Increase Employability (more info here). As of 2023, any major or minor that requires a laboratory course is now considered an LPIE. Undergraduate students who are in one of the programs linked above are eligible for CalFresh!
Still Don't Know If You Qualify?
Take our CalFresh Pre-Screener Survey to see if you might be eligible.
If you think you may be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits, please visit the "How to Apply" page for more information or start your online application today. If you have any questions or concerns regarding CalFresh, email calfresh@ucsc.edu.
