CalFresh Eligibility Requirements Temporarily Expanded for Low-Income College Students

The State of California has temporarily expanded student eligibility requirements for CalFresh Program for low-income college students until the end of September 2021, to reduce food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The COVID-19 pandemic sparked the expansion of students’ eligibility, as it became apparent that students were suffering food insecurity more than other populations,” said Abraham Gomez, DPSS Human Services Administrator Manager II in the CalFresh Nutrition Program Section.

“The lack of jobs due to shutdowns and classes not being held on campuses made things especially challenging.”

Previously, students were required to participate in college work-study; however, now they only need to be eligible to participate.  Students attending local colleges with an estimated family contribution of zero are now eligible for CalFresh benefits if they meet all other financial and non-financial eligibility requirements.

Eligible students can receive a maximum of $192 a month for groceries and discounted internet services.  Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent legal resident status and meet CalFresh income requirements.

Apply today for CalFresh online at getcalfresh.org.

DPSS CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program Benefiting Local Economy While Serving Los Angeles County’s Senior and Most Vulnerable Populations

May CalFresh Awareness Month is the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits and services provided through the CalFresh Nutrition Program.  One of this month’s highlighted services is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).

Established in 2005, the RMP allows residents age 60 or older, people with disabilities, and homeless persons in Los Angeles County the option to use their CalFresh benefits to purchase healthy and nutritious meals at approved restaurants participating in the program.

Restaurants must apply and be approved by United States Department of Agriculture-Food Nutrition Services (USDA-FNS) to participate.  Once approved, they are authorized to accept CalFresh Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards as payment.

Benefiting the local economy

Currently, participating restaurants in 15 California counties are benefiting economically as a result of the program.  In Los Angeles County, RMP is responsible for over 50.3 million individual CalFresh transactions and $557 million in sales since the inception of the program in 2005.

More recently, Los Angeles County reported 5.1 million CalFresh RMP transactions at restaurants with $74.6 million in sales from April 2020 to March 2021.  The average number of transactions per restaurant was 440, and the average amount per transaction was $15.26.

During this month, DPSS is also encouraging the public to share this important information with those in their community who need it most.

Click here for more information about the Restaurant Meals Program.