CALFRESH
CalFresh provides qualifying students with up to $306 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.
Hey Highlanders!
Stop by the Basic Needs Center in Costo Hall 110 to meet with one of our CalFresh Interns with a personal device.
Our experienced interns can support you through every step of the CalFresh process, from answering general questions to helping with new applications, SAR-7 forms, and recertification reports. We’ll guide you through the process, assist with uploading required documents, and ensure all your questions are answered. Appointments typically take 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the support you need. Whether you’re applying for the first time or maintaining your current benefits, we’re here to help!
Stay up to date with new events & updates on Instagram @ucrbasicneeds and by subscribing to our newsletter!
Where we are located:
Temporary Basic Needs Center Location: INTS South 2117B! We have walk-ins available Monday-Friday, see below for the hours!
Upcoming Event:
Fall into Benefits
Thursday, October 19th
HUB 269
1pm-3pm
Food is provided, while supplies last!
VIEW ALL EVENTS HERE
Ways to Apply
Visit a CalFresh Intern at the Basic Needs Center in Costo Hall 110 to learn more about CalFresh eligibility, get help with the CalFresh application and more! Our experienced interns will walk you through the application, help you upload the necessary documents, and answer any questions you might have. The entire application process takes around 45-60 minutes, depending on the documents needed to submit.
To make the application process smoother, we recommend students to make a BenefitsCal account prior to applying with an intern. You can make an account here.
*Disclaimer: CalFresh interns are not official county workers and cannot determine ultimate eligibility or monthly benefit amount*
There are two ways to apply with our dedicated CalFresh Interns:
- ONLINE via a 45min-1hr zoom call. Please make a virtual appointment here
- We have available appointments Monday-Friday, book yours today!
- Please note you will receive an email with the zoom link and it can also be found on the calendar invite.
- Students will need to be able to share their device screen so interns can best guide them through the application.
2.IN PERSON during our scheduled walk-in hours at the our TEMPORARY LOCATION: CHASSS INTS 2117B
Walk-ins begin Monday, October 5th
CalFresh Fall Walk-in Hours 2026
Monday: 12 PM - 4PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 3 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 4 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 4 PM
Friday: 10 AM - 2 PM
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!
County's next visit:
Skip the Wait, Get Approved Today!
Thursday 10/29/2026
HUB 379
10am-4pm
Join us on October 29th for a special CalFresh event where county workers will be on campus to help you complete your application and interview on the spot!
✅ Get screened
✅ Complete your interview
✅ Receive your EBT card the same day if approved!
Appointments HIGHLY recommended, very limited walk-ins available
What can Riverside County workers do that CalFresh Interns can't?
- Troubleshoot any issues you might be having with your CalFresh case
- Process any late SAR7 & recertification reports if completed correctly
- Print EBT cards!
Nearest County Office:
Riverside County Department of Social Services
5961 Mission Blvd, Riverside, CA 92509
Monday - Friday
8am - 5pm
(877) 410-8827
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.
Don't know where to get the documents for your CalFresh application?
There is a guide that can help you with that! https://tinyurl.com/UCRCalFreshDocGuide
Fall Into Benefits - CalFresh Enrollment Party
Week 3 Thursday 10/15/2026
HUB 269
1pm-3pm
Food will be provided while supplies last
CalFresh interns will assist students to apply for CalFresh! Interns are able to pre-screen and answer any questions.
Boba & Benefits - CalFresh Pre-Screen Event
Week 4 Wednesday 10/21/2026
Student Services Building (SSB) Lawn
11am-1pm
Boba drinks will be provided to all students that get pre-screened for CalFresh by a CalFresh intern. Students will be able to make appointments for our Skip the Wait, Get Approved Today event that will be on 10/29.
CalFresh Outreach (CFO) Week: Week 5, October 26-30
Our goal during CalFresh Outreach Week is to increase awareness of CalFresh and connect students with application assistance and resources!
CalFresh Enrollment Party
Monday 10/26/2026
HUB 269
12pm-2pm
CalFresh interns will help students assist for CalFresh! Interns are able to pre-screen and answer any questions.
CalFresh Tabling @ Bell Tower
Tuesday 10/27/2026
Bell Tower
12pm-2pm
CalFresh interns will be at the Bell Tower to answer questions, conduct pre-screens and share out resources!
Come by for information and merch!
CalFresh Pre-Screen & Perk!
Wednesday 10/28/2026
Student Services Building (SSB) Lawn
11am-1pm
Light refreshment will be provided to all students that get pre-screened for CalFresh by a CalFresh intern. Students will be able to make appointments for our Skip the Wait, Get Approved Today event that will be on 11/05.
Skip the Wait, Get Approved Today!
Thursday 10/29/2026
HUB 379
10am-4pm
Join us on October 29th for a special CalFresh event where county workers will be on campus to help you complete your application and interview on the spot!
✅ Get screened
✅ Complete your interview
✅ Receive your EBT card the same day if approved!
Appointments HIGHLY recommended, very limited walk-ins available
CalFresh Walk-Ins
Friday 10/30/2026
CHASS Interdisciplinary South (INTS) 2117B
10am-2pm
CalFresh interns will be available to help students apply for CalFresh and answer questions!
Skip the Wait, Get Approved Today!
Thursday 11/05/2026
Student Services Building (SSB) Tartan & Tweed Room-1st Floor
10am-4pm
Join us on November 5th for a special CalFresh event where county workers will be on campus to help you complete your application and interview on the spot!
✅ Get screened
✅ Complete your interview
✅ Receive your EBT card the same day if approved!
Appointments HIGHLY recommended, very limited walk-ins available!
Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week: CalFresh Enrollment Party
Tuesday 11/17/2026
HUB 269
12pm - 2pm
Food will be provided while supplies last
CalFresh interns will assist students to apply for CalFresh! Interns are able to pre-screen and answer any questions.
CalFresh Eligibility
As a general guide, to apply as a student, you MUST meet ALL these requirements:
1. AGE: Be 18-49 years AND live away from parents or legal guardians
If under 22-years-old and living with a parent or legal guardian, then the student must apply as a whole household as a dependent. Note: this is not the case for all guardians
If 22-49 years-old and living with a parent, students will apply as an independent
2. ENROLLMENT: Be enrolled in courses as a part-time (6 units or more) or full-time student (12 units or more)
If a student is less than part-time (less than 6 units), the student will apply as a non-student and will have other eligibility requirements not listed here.
3. CITIZENSHIP: Meet citizenship requirements
U.S citizens and legal/lawful permanent residents could be eligible for CalFresh
Work or tourist VISA, DACA recipients, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), undocumented students, or any employment authorization cards are NOT eligible to apply for CalFresh
There are other types of citizenship that can make a student eligible, please check additional eligibility.
4. MEAL PLAN: Does not receive 11 or more meals/week
This only applies to students living on campus. University housing comprises of residence halls/dorms, university apartments, family student housing, and graduate student housing.
5. INCOME: Does not exceed Gross Monthly Income Threshold
Income limits vary by household size
Gross Monthly Income Eligibility
| Household Size | Max Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,610 |
| 2 | $3,526 |
| 3 | $4,442 |
| 4 | $5,360 |
| 5 | $6,276 |
* We can help students determine if they meet the income requirements through a conversation as the income requirements are complicated. Many forms of income are exempt (for example income from work study jobs does not count as income making it easier for students with work study jobs to be eligible), and there are lots of ways to reduce your eligible income (for example there is a reduction for utilities you pay, some childcare expenses, etc.)
As well as at least ONE of the following student exemptions:
- Receive TANF funded Cal Grant A or B (email CSAC for verification document or submit the CalFresh Notification email)
- Working a minimum of 20 hours per week in employment (or 80 hours on average per month)
- Participate in a Work Study job or be approved for Work Study and be actively seeking a Work Study job
- Can provide a doctor's note stating you are unable to work 20hrs or more per week due to a mental or physical disability
- Be enrolled in SDRC and can provide documentation
- Has a dependent under 12 years old
- Do not plan to be enrolled next term (and currently under full-time status as a student)
- Participate in at least one Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIE).
- Effective June 1, 2026, all undergraduate degree programs offered at the CCC, CSU, or UC campus meet the LPIE criteria. Students qualify for LPIE exemption if they are:
• Attending a CCC, CSU, or UC half-time or more, and
• Enrolled in an associate or bachelor’s degree program in any major. These include, but are not limited to, many majors and academic programs on campus you may already be enrolled in.
- Effective June 1, 2026, all undergraduate degree programs offered at the CCC, CSU, or UC campus meet the LPIE criteria. Students qualify for LPIE exemption if they are:
Documents Needed
- Proof of enrollment (class schedule)
- Proof of income (paystubs)
- Proof of financial aid (can be found on R'Web --> Financial Aid)
- Legal identification (driver’s license, CA ID card, passport)
- Proof of rent paid
- This could be a copy of your lease, a rent receipt.
Don't know where to get these documents?
There is a guide that can help you with that! https://tinyurl.com/UCRCalFreshDocGuide
*CalFresh approval is not determined at the time of application, nor can it be determined by the CalFresh Interns.*
Local Programs that Increase Employability (LPIE)
What is an LPIE?
-
Local Programs that Increase Employability (LPIE) are programs that can exempt students from certain eligibility requirements for CalFresh. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) maintains a list of approved LPIEs that is updated monthly and can be found on the CalFresh Resource Center Policy Page. Different campuses may have different approved LPIEs for different programs or major.
- Participate in a Employment & Training Program (Employed through UC Riverside)
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
-
Market Match
Market Match is another way to utilize your CalFresh dollars. Go to the market’s information booth and ask how to receive Market Match. A market staff person will swipe your CalFresh EBT card for the amount of your choice and you will receive tokens or paper vouchers to spend on any CalFresh-eligible food items at the market. Market Match provides matching funds so that customers can buy even more fruits and vegetables. For example, a customer who spends $10 of CalFresh benefits at the farmers’ market receives an additional $10 to spend on fresh produce for a total of $20 to spend at the market.
Near UCR:
Downtown Farmers' Market Riverside
- Saturday Year Round
- 8:00am - 1:00pm
- 3527 Main St
Riverside, CA 92501 - Market Match offered year round, up to $15 per visit.
County of Riverside Certified Farmers' Market
- Wednesday Year Round
- 8:30am - 1:30pm
- 4080 Lemon St
Riverside, CA 92501 - Market Match offered year round, up to $15 per visit.
Visit https://ecologycenter.org/fmfinder/ to find the nearest farmer's market near you!
-
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:
-
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