Students who come from low-income families can receive money for groceries through an EBT (Electronic benefit transfer) card. This card looks like a credit or debit card, but instead is loaded with funds usable towards groceries and certain restaurants.
Vanessa Luis, a project coordinator at the Hornets Resource Center, led a workshop on the CalFresh program on Wednesday, Nov. 21. The series is offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hornets Resource Center to educate students on the benefits and eligibility for the CalFresh food assistance program and how they can use those benefits. It’s one of the resources available at the new Hornets Resource Center, which opened Aug. 5, 2024, in the 1000 building, right next to the art gallery. The resource center also offers several resources to help students access Calfresh (assistance/programs/support).
This nutrition assistance program helps students buy the food they need to live a healthy and active lifestyle by having the option to add fruits and vegetables to their diet.
According to the California Budget and Policy Center, in 2022 about 5 million Californians receive CalFresh benefits each month. There is no limit to the number of people or families that can receive CalFresh benefits; more than a million are eligible but haven’t signed up for it.
Students can be eligible for this program based on financial need and participation in programs that support their career development, such as pursuing an associate degree or certificate. What students need to apply for is student schedule, proof of income and government ID.
CalFresh offers drop-in sessions or additional hours for one-on-one support for anyone who requires assistance filling out an application.
CalFresh allotment will be determined based on the applicant’s maximum gross monthly income and the number of people living in the household. The lower the income the higher the CalFresh allotment will be.
Drop-in hours are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hornets Resource Center. After students give the initial information, they will be contacted by the county ‘social services agency’ for an interview to verify their information is correct.
Students can become eligible for CalFresh benefits through Local Programs that Increase Employability (LPIE), which may include many more programs at Fullerton College. Being eligible is based on the student’s major or degree pursuit. It focuses on programs that help students establish their careers.
There are EBT scams trying to steal your benefits. If you ever receive a text or call asking for your personal information, contact your county immediately. Your county and state will never call or text requesting you to give them your personal information, like your EBT card number and your personal identification number which is your PIN.
This program helps students learn how to maintain those benefits and keep up to date with any information. Students also can apply for Medi-Cal. Staff such as Luis are there to assist students at the Hornets Resource Center.
“Students are able to come in person, and we can help them with the CalFresh or Medi-Cal application one on one,” said Luis.
