Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Oct. 09 that California has simplified eligibility requirements for CalFresh, making it easier for hundreds of thousands of college students to receive up to $306 per month to purchase groceries.
Under the new rules, undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time in degree programs at California Community Colleges, California State University campuses or the University of California campuses can meet an initial eligibility requirement through their enrollment.
Previously, students faced additional requirements that often discouraged applications. Students must still meet income and other eligibility criteria to receive benefits.
“We can’t expect students to learn if they’re hungry, and in California, there is no reason for them to be, whether they’re in kindergarten, high school, or college,” Newsom said.
The administration estimates the changes could help more than 200,000 additional students enroll in CalFresh, providing more than $250 million in food assistance.
Newsom announced the changes during a visit to the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank alongside First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Director Jennifer Troia.
“Every California student deserves access to nutritious food and the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Siebel Newsom said.
The state also launched “Full Carts,” an outreach campaign encouraging eligible students to apply. Ripple executive Chris Larsen contributed $1.5 million to support the campaign, with additional backing from Instacart and Snap.
“College is challenging enough — students should not have to worry about where their next meal will come from,” Troia said.
CalFresh, California’s version of the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides food assistance to low-income residents. Nearly 5.2 million Californians in more than 3.1 million households receive benefits monthly.
The expanded access builds on California’s broader efforts to address food insecurity, including universal school meals, summer food assistance and programs connecting schools with locally grown produce.
Students can check their eligibility and apply for benefits at BenefitsCal.com.
