Most SFSU students now eligible for monthly food and groceries assistance

New rule expands CalFresh program to all undergraduates enrolled in degree programs at public colleges in California  

Keeping the fridge stocked with healthy, nutritious food just got easier for San Francisco State University students. A new rule implemented by the California Department of Social Services allows all undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program at a California State University, community college or University of California campus to meet the initial application requirements for CalFresh.   

CalFresh is the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for California residents. It provides up to $306 or more for larger households for food and groceries each month. Visit the CalFresh website to apply and for more information.   

“Knowing that I have my groceries covered, it’s a huge weight off my chest,” SFSU student Emma Galvez said just after registering successfully for CalFresh in September. “Balancing all my responsibilities as a student can be very difficult, especially having to manage my money and ensure that I can pay my bills on time and also go out to get groceries.”  

SFSU’s Basic Needs Center offers additional free resources to help you remain nourished in a healthful, affordable fashion, including a CalFresh Help Clinic and vouchers for emergency meals. The Associated Students Food Pantry and Gator Groceries program, in partnership with the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, provides free produce, protein, specialty items and more to our students every week. 

“Access to affordable, nutritious food [can be] a challenge for many, including SFSU students,” said Mariven Rendon, the CalFresh outreach coordinator in SFSU’s Basic Needs Center. “SFSU students deserve access to healthy food options that truly support their individual needs and lifestyles, and CalFresh is another tool that they can use to help get through the SFSU experience a little easier and cheaper.” 

Removing barriers 

The new rule, in effect since June 1, removes barriers that kept financially eligible students from applying for CalFresh. Now, financially eligible undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time in an associate or bachelor’s degree program can begin qualifying — simply by being enrolled in any degree program at a CSU, UC or community college campus. Previously, student eligibility was dependent on working 20 hours a week, verification of Cal Grant status, securing a work-study job or enrolling in certain programs. 

California officials expect the new rule will result in an additional 200,000 college students enrolling in CalFresh, helping them access over $250 million in additional food assistance. Rendon notes that SFSU’s CalFresh Help Clinic has assisted over 400 students living on campus this fall to apply for CalFresh benefits and reduce their meal plan. 

“Because more students are able to qualify for CalFresh, more students are also able to change their meal plan to a 10-swipe plan, reducing their overall cost of attendance at SFSU,” Rendon said.  

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced the new rule at an Oct. 9 event at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank also attended by SFSU students and SFSU President Lynn Mahoney.   

“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 in a news release. “You shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get the food benefits you’re entitled to, and now you don’t have to. Go apply now — you might be leaving money on the table.” 

Get support at SFSU for your basic needs, including help signing up for CalFresh.