CalFresh Outreach Program
CalFresh Food is California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It provides monthly food assistance for individuals and families with low incomes.
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 food budgets, allowing individuals and families to afford nutritious options including fruits, vegetables, organic foods, and more.
We Offer
- Services during drop-in assistance
- Application Help
- Eligibility Screening
- Appeals Assistance
- Required Verifications
- Interview Preparations
- Questions Answered
- Helpful Materials
- Recertification HelpStudent Eligibility
Student Eligibility
Are you a student? CalFresh considers you a student if you are between the age 18-49 and are enrolled in 6 units or more at an institution of higher education.
If you are a student taking 6 or more units, you may qualify for CalFresh if you meet at least one of the following exemptions.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 *
Been awarded or is eligible to work-study during the current academic year *
Receiving Cal Grant A or B
Be enrolled in a program that helps improve employability:
- CalFresh Employment and Training Program, including Fresh Success
- College Disabled Students Program and Services/Student Academic Support
- Participating in CalWORKS or Welfare-to-Work Program
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
- Chafee Educational Training Voucher Program
5. OR be enrolled in one of the following programs that promotes student success:
- Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)
- Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) Program
- Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support (CAFYES)
- Extended Foster Care (AB12 / AB212)
- Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
- Foster Youth Success Initiative
- Guardian Scholars Program
- Mathematics, Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Program
* These are temporary waivers due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Please note: If you do not meet one of these exemptions provided, you are still encouraged to apply and work with a county worker to determine your CalFresh eligibility.
Determining Eligibility
- A household must meet the below income guidelines
- Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
Income Guidelines
Use the number of people in the household to determine which row to use on the chart.
1
| $2,148
| $1,074
| $16 - $250
|
|---|
2
| $2,904
| $1,452
| $16 - $459
|
|---|
3
| $3,660
| $1,830
| $16 - $658
|
|---|
4
| $4,418
| $2,209
| $16 - $835
|
|---|
5
| $5,174
| $2,587
| $16 - $992
|
|---|
6
| $5,930
| $2,965
| $16 - $1,190
|
|---|
7
| $6,688
| $3,344
| $16 - $1,316
|
|---|
8
| $7,444
| $3,722
| $16 - $1,504
|
|---|
*Add this amount for each additional member
| + $758
| + $379
| + $188
|
|---|
Who counts as a member of my household?
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, such as a roommate, who purchses and prepares their own food.
- If you are under the age of 22 and live with biological, adoptive, or stepparent(s) you must apply together, even if you purchase and prepare your own food.
- If you are married, you and your spouse must apply as one household.
- If you are unmarried living together with a common child, you must apply under one household.
Will my immigration status affect my CalFresh eligibility?
Some noncitizens may be eligible for CalFresh. 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.
Click
here.pdf for more information about Student Eligibility.
What is CalFresh?
CalFresh Food is California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It provides monthly food assistance for individuals and families with low incomes.
Will receiving benefits affect my financial aid package?
Do I have to report CalFresh benefits on my or my family's taxes?
Will applying for CalFresh take away benefits from those who need it more than I do?
No. Everyone who qualifies for CalFresh can get benefits. In California, there are about 4 million people who are eligible but not receiving CalFresh. For every $5 of CalFresh spent in a community, another $9 of local economic activity is generated. This helps support jobs and businesses in your community.
Will my immigration status affect my CalFresh eligibility?
Some noncitizens may be eligible for CalFresh. 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 facing food insecurity, please visit the Fainbarg Chase Thrive Center food pantry located at Village 206 for free nutritious groceries and grab-and-go snacks.
If I get CalFresh, will this impact my taxes or finances in the future?
Where can I apply?
You can apply online and receive your EBT card in the mail! No need to go to an office! Apply online here or email a staff member for application assistance here at ThriveCenter@sac.edu. We are here to help!
