CalFresh Food

What is CalFresh?

CalFresh provides free money each month to help eligible students buy food. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card and can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and select online retailers.

Most students can receive up to $292/month. It’s not a loan, and it doesn’t affect financial aid.

Student Eligibility at SJSU

You may be eligible for CalFresh if you meet any of the following:

• Between ages 18-49
• Enrolled at least half-time as an SJSU student
• Not on a campus meal plan with 11+ meals per week
• Be mentally and physically fit for work

Students must meet at least one of the following exemptions:

• Work an average of 20+ hours per week
• Have a child/dependent 12 or younger
• Receive CalGrant A or B
• In a Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIE)
• Participating in Work Study

Need Help Applying? 

SJSU Cares offers 1:1 support to walk you through the process.

Book an appointment:

Tuesdays or Thursdays: Make an appointment
Mondays or Wednesdays: Make an appointment

SJSU Cares partners with Second Harvest of Silicon Valley in offering CalFresh Food assistance to students in Santa Clara & San Mateo County by phone: 1-800-984-3663 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm) or by requesting them to reach out to you.

		Santa Clara & San Mateo Residents >>> Request CalFresh Food Sign Up Assistance from Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
		Students outside of Santa Clara & San Mateo counties (including other states) please consider this National SNAP Directory.

Students can apply themselves, but we highly recommend using one of the following sign-up assistance programs where trained staff/volunteers can help guide you through the process.

To see if you are eligible, go to the BenefitsCal website and click “Begin" at the bottom of the page.

If you need assistance with the application process, email calfresh@sjsu.edu

Some majors and support programs at SJSU qualify as Local Programs that Increase Employability (LPIE)—which means students in those programs may be eligible for CalFresh Food Benefits, even if they don’t meet the usual work requirements.

If you think your major or program might qualify, just fill out our short form. We’ll review your request and let you know if you're eligible. If your program qualifies, we’ll send you an official LPIE letter to include with your CalFresh application.

 Complete the LPIE Request Form » (SJSU email required)
Need help or have questions while filling out the form?
Email us at calfresh@sjsu.edu — we're here to help.

You can easily find retailers that accept EBT by using the SNAP Retailer Locator. To do this, simply type in your street address, city, state, or zip code into the locator tool, which will then show you a list of SNAP-authorized retailers. You can select a store or a map point to get more details and directions on how to get there.

Many farmers' markets will double your money if you use CalFresh Food to purchase your fruits and vegetables! Use the Farmers' Market Finder to locate a SNAP eligible market near you.

Helpful Links

• CalFresh Food Documentation Guide
• Eat Fresh Recipes
• Spartan Food Pantry
• Food Banks