CalFresh

Photo of a female student browsing fruits and vegetables.

What is CalFresh?

CalFresh (nationally known as SNAP/food stamps) is a food and nutrition assistance program that can help Southwestern College students buy the food they need to live healthy and learn better. Students facing tight food budgets can apply for CalFresh and help incorporate healthy foods like fruits and vegetables into their diet.

Eligible individuals can get up to $291 a month. You can use that at many grocery stores, convenience stores and farmer’s markets. CalFresh for students is like financial aid for food. If accepted, you’ll get a free debit card with a certain amount each month to buy groceries and eat healthier.

Applying only takes a few minutes and you’ll get a call from the San Diego CalFresh office in a few days to verify your situation. If approved, you’ll get CalFresh benefits within 30 days.

Am I Eligible?

Any individual who is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States may apply as long as the income guidelines and student eligibility rules are met. Students qualify for a special kind of eligibility. Here’s how to be considered a student for CalFresh:

Be a student between the age of 18 through 49.
Be a student enrolled in at least half-time units.
Be physically and mentally able to attend school and work.

Individuals 22 or older, living with their parents, and not purchasing and preparing meals with their parents could be considered a separate household.

Student Eligibility

Browse the section below carefully for a full list of student eligibility. Students must meet any ONE of the following:

- Working and getting paid for an average of 20 hours per week OR a total of 80 hours a month
- Approved or eligible for federal or state work study, anticipates working, and has not refused a work assignment (can still be eligible even if a work study job has not begun or is not currently available)
- Receipt of TANF funded Cal Grant A or B and unmarried, 25 years of age or younger, and have parental income of $50,000 a year or less.
- Be exerting parental control over a dependent household member under the age of 6 OR between the age of 6 and 12 with no adequate childcare (as determined by the county on a case‐by‐case basis)
- Be a single parent of a dependent household member under the age of 12 AND enrolled full‐time (6 units)
- Participating in the CalFresh Employment and Training Program (CFET) or be a recipient of CalWORKs or JOBS
- Does not expect to be enrolled next term
- Enrolled in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
- Enrolled in an on-the-job training, this does not include unpaid internships or volunteer work
- Enrolled in a Local Program that Increases Employability
- Other things to consider:
  - Unpaid internships or volunteer work do not count towards the work requirement
  - Students who live with their parents must be 22 years of age or older to apply as an individual household
  - International, DACA, and DREAM students may not be eligible, even with a work VISA/SSN
  - Effective June 1, 2019 individuals receiving SSI/SSP are eligibility for CalFresh, provided all other eligibility criteria are met.

How do I apply?

You can apply online and many local partners can help students apply for CalFresh in-person, pre-screen applicants and answer questions about eligbility.

Apply Online

CalFresh

What is CalFresh?

Am I Eligible?

Student Eligibility

How do I apply?

Community Resources

Feeding San Diego

La Maestra Community Health Center

The San Diego Food Bank

Let's get started.