The BNC has a team of student staff and full-time staff to help connect students to CalFresh, a long time food resource. CalFresh is a federally funded program, also known as SNAP/EBT, that provides eligible students with up to $298 to purchase food. CalFresh benefits are loaded onto an EBT card which can be used at most major grocery stores, the Berkeley Student Food Collective, and select farmers markets.
Local Programs that Increase Employability Update
Beginning June 1, 2026, all associate and bachelor's degree programs at California public colleges and universities (CCC, CSU, and UC) are designated as Local Programs that Increase Employability (LPIE). As a result, most UC Berkeley undergraduate students now meet one of the student eligibility requirements for CalFresh regardless of their major.
Students must still meet all other CalFresh eligibility requirements, including income limits and citizenship or lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.
Graduate-level students (including Master’s and PhD programs) remain under previous guidance. Graduate students must qualify through an approved program or another eligible student exemption to qualify for CalFresh benefits.
