The UCLA CalFresh Initiative is a team of students who help assist undergraduate and graduate students apply for a grocery allowance of up to $291/month.
What is UCLA CalFresh Initiative?
CalFresh is California's version of SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), a federally-funded food assistance program, colloquially known as "food stamps." Many students qualify for CalFresh and can receive up to $291/month to spend on groceries at places like UCLA Store Market, Ralphs, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Target, and participating Farmers Markets. Once enrolled, participants will receive an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card in the mail, which is reloaded monthly and functions as a debit card at participating grocery stores. Enroll in CalFresh to get the resources you deserve to help you thrive as a student!
How does it work?
The CalFresh application takes around 30 minutes to complete. CalFresh Initiative at UCLA hosts In Person Office Hours Mondays 3:45 PM-6:45 PM and Virtual Office Hours via Zoom on Wednesdays, 3:00 pm-6:00 pm to assist students in applying for CalFresh, screen for eligibility, and answer any questions. Students can make an appointment through Calendly or ask questions to CalFresh Representatives at calfreshinitiative@cpo.ucla.edu. Please access this student guidebook for more assistance.
After applying, students will receive mail with case information, complete a phone or in-person interview with County eligibility workers, and be notified of approval or denial via mail or BenefitsCal. If approved, students will receive their EBT card to use at grocery stores.
Case Appeals
The CalFresh Initiative team has partnered with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) to assist with denied cases. If you believe your case has been discontinued without just cause, please contact us at calfreshinitiative@cpo.ucla.edu with the subject line “CASE APPEAL INTEREST.” Our team will provide further assistance.