CalFresh Application Assistance

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 $292 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.

Are You Eligible for CalFresh?

Check the CalFresh eligibility guidelines and complete a CalFresh prescreener

I’m Eligible and Would Like Help Applying

The application takes around 45-60 minutes and you should receive your benefits within 30 days. We highly recommend applying with an experienced CalFresh Ambassador.

Students are encouraged to create an account on BenefitsCal and collect proper documents prior to their appointments.

I'm Eligible and Would Like to Apply on My Own

Explore a step-by-step guide on how to apply, information regarding what verification documents will need to be provided with your application, information about the interview process and what to expect post application

I'm Not Eligible for CalFresh

Explore community resources

After Applying

Learn about next steps and how to maintain CalFresh benefits

Book an Appointment

Apply on Your Own

CalFresh FAQs
CalFresh improved the quality of my college life tremendously. Once I received my EBT card, I stopped having to worry about how I’d afford my next meal, and could instead focus on how I would ace my next midterm.
Anonymous Student, 2019