CalFresh
CalFresh provides qualifying students with up to $291 a month to buy healthy, nutritious foods. It’s a federally mandated, state-supervised, and county-operated government entitlement program that provides monthly food benefits to qualified Highlanders. These benefits can be used at various local grocery and convenience stores, most farmers markets, Scotty's convenience store located at the Highlander Union Building (HUB), Market at Glen Mor, and now online.
How to Apply
There are two ways to apply with our dedicated CalFresh Interns:
- Online via a 30-minute zoom call. Please make an appointment here
- In Person during our scheduled walk-in hours at Costo Hall 110.
Spring Quarter Walk-In Hours
*Beginning 4/2/24*
Monday: 9-10am with Sheyla
Tuesday: 2-3pm with Elise
Wednesday: 11am-12pm with Jennifer
Thursday: 1230-130pm with Essence
Friday: n/a
*Disclaimer: CalFresh interns are not official county workers and cannot determine ultimate eligibility or monthly benefit amount*
Riverside County workers visit campus once a month to assist students with applying for CalFresh or answering any case specific questions. When available, they are also able to print ebt cards on site!
Upcoming Visit
If you don't require any assistance, you can also apply on your own!
If you have any questions post applying, you can still connect with our CalFresh interns via appointment or during our walk-in hours.
“Denied CalFresh benefits? by BasicNeedsDeparment
*BeyondFresh is a pilot program and is subject to change*
CalFresh Eligibility
As a general guide, students MUST meet ALL these requirements:
- U.S. Citizen or Lawful Residency
- 18-49 years old
- Enrolled at least half time in an accredited school
Gross Monthly Income Eligibility
| Household Size | Max Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,430 |
| 2 | $3,288 |
| 3 | $4,144 |
| 4 | $5,000 |
| 5 | $5,858 |
As well as at least ONE of the following:
- Receive TANF funded Cal Grant A or B (email CSAC for verification document)
- to apply on your own, you must live by yourself (roommates okay)
- if you live with family, you must be 22 years old or older.
- themselves/parents have an income less than 50,000 when they applied for the Cal Grant
- have approval for state/federal work study.
- working a minimum of 20 hours per week
Documents Needed
- Proof of enrollment (class schedule)
- Proof of income (paystubs)
- Proof of financial aid (obtained from your Student Aid Report on FAFSA)
- Legal identification (driver’s license, CA ID card, passport)
- Proof of rent paid.
*Eligibility is not determined at the time of application, nor can it be determined by the CalFresh Interns.*
Local Programs that Increase Eligibility (LPIE)
See if your academic or professional program is an approved LPIE here
*This list includes undergraduate, graduate, and more degrees. Our team is actively working on adding more to this list on a monthly basis.*
Off Campus Food Resources
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Riverside Access Sites
Riverside County Food Access Sites-A site that helps you locate the closest locations providing food and meals. We highly recommend you call any location prior to going to ensure they are currently operating:
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Food Apps
Got Food? App (available on IOS and Android) to find nearby food pantries and soup kitchens. Please call to make sure if they are available
CA Meals for Kids App (Available on iOS, Android, Microsoft) to find nearby California Afterschool and Summer Meal Programs Sites
- Find Meals for Kids Locator-Ensures that low-income children receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. Locates programs across the U.S.
- Check your eligibility using the following link: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1704#Eligibility_Checker
- For more information, use this link: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1704
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Other County Locators
- Food Pantries with Feeding America in Riverside and San Bernardino County
- Inland Empire Food Resources (Note: Call ahead to confirm hours before going to any of these resources)
- FIND Food Bank- Food banks in the desert regions (e.g., 29 Palms, Palm Springs, etc.)
- Orange County Food Pantry Locator
- Los Angeles County Food Pantry Locator
- San Bernardino County School Meals
- Riverside Unified School District Meal Locations
Note: For real-time updates and announcements in your area, I HIGHLY recommend you follow your county on social media! For example, Riverside county has the City of Riverside, CA - City Government Facebook page which posts information about upcoming food giveaways, food pantries, etc.
CF Maintaining Benefits by BasicNeedsDeparment