SNAP Eligibility Expanded for Millions of Students

SNAP Eligibility Expanded for Millions of Students

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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.

Food Finder | Find Food Pantries Near You

Food Finder | Find Food Pantries Near You

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Food insecurity has heightened due to the pandemic and it is getting harder to get access to healthy meals. Luckily, there are programs and resources out there, it is only a matter of finding out about these resources and sharing them with our peers. FoodFinder is here to help you!

FoodFinder is a resource that allows you to find food pantries near you! FoodFinder is a food pantry locator that shows you where you can find free food assistance in your neighborhood. All you need to do is enter your zip code to the map and pick the pin that is closest to you! Tap the pin you’d like to see where the food pantry is located and what their schedule is like. 

 

Basic Needs: Student Navigator Network

Basic Needs: Student Navigator Network

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Basic Needs: Student Navigator Network 

The Student Navigator Network (SNN) was a system designed amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that aimed to assist students with resources to pursue higher education. The Student Navigator program is largely run by Rise, a non-profit that addresses the challenges students face at college. Rise helps students apply for emergency financial assistance, find community support systems, learn their public health benefits and receive updates on policies, programs, and resources. The Student Navigator Network largely serves college students in higher education either at trade school or at community colleges in Los Angeles County. However, the LA cohort-based out of USC is willing to connect all California’s college students to resources. Resources include financial, academic, and personal assistance. This aims to help bridge the gap between students and the higher education system by offering resources needed to assist these institutions.  

The Student Navigator Network has served over 7,000 students. They helped students receive at least $897,875 in financial assistance. The Student Navigator Network works on a three-tier strategy at a micro, mezzo, and macro level. The micro-level aims to work with individual students in the form of outreach and advocacy. Partners aim to provide students with emotional support, encouragement and help students create a timeline to accomplish their goals. The mezzo scale aims to have practitioners work with institutions and communities to make a difference in students’ lives like identifying and improving campus resources and collaborating with community and government programs. The marco level has practitioners work on large-scale advocacy programs on all government levels to address the inequity in public education institutions. 

For more information regarding the SNN and to help you find emergency financial aid, apply for public benefits, and connect with local resources visit this link: Our Student Navigator Network. 

If you are a student seeking to start your own Student Navigator Network on your campus submit this interest form: Student Navigator Network Form. 

The Student Navigator Network is an excellent opportunity for students who are looking for resources to guide them throughout their college experience. The Student Navigator Network is met to aid and assist students throughout their college journey. The hope is that this program can help diminish the stigma students feel when asking for help and bridge the gap of inequity in the higher education system.

CalFresh – Receive up to $193/month for groceries

CalFresh – Receive up to $193/month for groceries

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The CalFresh Program is for people with low-income who meet federal income eligibility rules. CalFresh provides you with a budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table. CalFresh is a state program that awards you up to $193 a month for groceries.

*UPDATES: “SNAP emergency allotments were a temporary strategy authorized by Congress to help low-income individuals and families deal with the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 law recently passed by Congress ends emergency allotments after the February 2023 issuance. This means by March 2023, all SNAP households’ benefits will return to normal amounts, without the added supplement. 

If you are a student, you can get CalFresh if you:

  • Work at least 20hrs/wk, on average, OR
  • Are approved for state or federal work-study money and anticipate working during the term, OR
  • Are a full-time student with a child under age 12
  • For further requirements, click here.
  • More special rules for students and exceptions click here.

To begin signing up for CalFresh, select your county and get started. You will need to submit proof of your situation.

  • Documents that are usually required to get CalFresh:
    • Copy of ID
    • Proof of any income
    • Proof of immigration status (for non-citizens)
    • Proof of student status (for college students)
  • What if you can’t get proof?
    • Tell the caseworker during the interview. CalFresh generally accepts a sworn statement as last resort.

Apply now online at https://www.getcalfresh.org/ CSU CalFresh Information: https://www2.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/student-success/basic-needs-initiative/Pages/calfresh-and-the-csu.aspx#:~:text=Student%20Eligibility%20for%20CalFresh,eligible%20to%20receive%20CalFresh%20benefits.