The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget to families in need so they could purchase healthy foods for their familiy. 

  1. Are eligible to participate in state or federally-financed work-study during the regular school year, as determined by the institution of higher education, or
  2. Have an expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 in the current academic year

Since April of 2020, SNAP has been aiding students who have faced financial difficulties. The program will continue to aid students into February of 2023.

According to an article by Marca, “On October 14, 2022, the Biden administration extended the federal emergency declaration due to the pandemic for an additional 90 days; therefore, the SNAP emergency allotment payments will continue through February 2023 – due to an automatic extra month provided by the program rules.”

To find out how to apply, or for other questions regarding your SNAP eligibility, contact your local SNAP office In California, the California Student Aid Commission will send all students with a zero-dollar expected family contribution an informing letter about this new exception to the CalFresh student rule. Are students eligible for SNAP?

Students eligible for Cal Fresh can receive up to $250 or more in groceries. Students must meet the following requirements for the Cal Fresh program:

  1. Meet citizen requirements
  2. Fulfill at least one student requirement of the following list
  3. Meet Cal fresh financial eligibility

Students attending college more than half-time are not eligible for SNAP unless they meet certain specific exemptions and meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements.