California Eases CalFresh Rules for College Students

Students enrolled at least half time at California community colleges, CSU or UC campuses now meet enrollment requirements for CalFresh food benefits.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Financial Aid

California Eases CalFresh Rules for College Students

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California has eased CalFresh enrollment requirements for college students, who previously had to meet stricter criteria to apply. Students enrolled at least half time at a California community college, California State University, or University of California now qualify under the revised rules.

Why it matters

Student enrollment in CalFresh has grown sharply, from 6,000 in January 2020 to nearly 13,500 by January 2024, reflecting ongoing food insecurity among students. The change follows new federal rules that granted students an exemption from CalFresh work requirements on June 1.

CalFresh benefits can provide up to $306 a month for groceries. Enrollment among California students rose from 6,000 in January 2020 to nearly 13,500 by January 2024.

The players

San Diego County

The county has expanded outreach and enrollment support for college students receiving CalFresh, partnering with nine colleges and universities.

San Diego State University

One of the partner campuses in San Diego County's student CalFresh outreach effort.

University of California San Diego

One of the partner campuses in San Diego County's student CalFresh outreach effort.

The details

Students at California community colleges, California State University and University of California campuses who are enrolled at least half time can now apply for CalFresh. San Diego County is conducting outreach through nine partner colleges and universities, placing benefits liaisons on campuses and working with basic needs centers to help students with applications and documents.

January 2020: 6,000 students were enrolled in CalFresh.
January 2024: Nearly 13,500 students were enrolled in CalFresh.
June 1: New federal rules exempted students from CalFresh work requirements.
September 2026: More than 18,800 San Diego County students received CalFresh benefits.

Policy Context

The federal exemption from CalFresh work requirements, effective June 1, removed one barrier for students, and California's revised enrollment criteria extend that change to more of the state's college population.

Students can apply through the online BenefitsCal application or call the Access Customer Service Call Center at 866-262-9881. Campus basic needs centers and benefits liaisons on partner campuses can help with applications and required documents.

The takeaway

Students who are enrolled at least half time at a California college may now qualify for CalFresh. Contacting a campus basic needs center or the county call center is a practical first step to check eligibility and gather documents.