CalFresh is a food stamp or SNAP benefits program in California designed to ensure low-income residents have access to a balanced diet and other necessities. The benefits can be used to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, and other food items except for fast food and alcohol.
Financially struggling students can also avail of the CalFresh program to help pay for food bills. The following requirements are the CalFresh eligibility for students:
- A student is defined as those aged 18 to 49 who must be physically and mentally fit and have no disability.
- The student must be enrolled at least “half-time,” which depends on the school’s definition.
- A student must be enrolled in “higher education.”
California college students were protesting budget cuts at UC Berkeley in 2017. Students nowadays still struggle with finances due to surging inflation and expensive education. Many are turning to food stamps like CalFresh to survive college. (Photo: CNBC)
More: SSI/SSP Recipients: Do They Qualify for CalFresh?
According to Marca, students who meet either of the following guidelines can also receive CalFresh benefits
- Employed 20 hours a week
- Recipient of federal or state work-study money
- Approved for TANF-funded Cal Grant
- Students with children
- Enrolled in a CalFresh employment and training program, or other state or local job training programs recognized by USDA.
Read More: Calfresh Renewal 2023: How To Get Benefits ‘Forever’
