Frequently Asked Questions - General

General

Updates To CalFresh Student Rules (04/23):

Changes are coming to CalFresh Program due to the end of the Public Health Emergency this summer. 

What do you need to know?

Now is the time to learn if you qualify for CalFresh and to apply! While California is working on making sure the impact of the transition out of the Public Health Emergency is minimal, the best time to apply is by June 9, 2023. Afterward, students who qualify because they have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 0 or because they meet the expanded definition of work-study eligibility will need to meet another criteria to be able to access CalFresh. 

What if I am already receiving CalFresh and qualified under the criteria listed above?

You will be able to maintain your benefits until your next annual recertification (1 year after your initial application).  Most students will still qualify for CalFresh, just under different criteria.

How do I get support if I have more questions?

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Basic Needs Center’s CalFresh Team for more support! You can stop by our CalFresh open hours or contact our team: www.tinyurl.com/bncassistance.

For Students

How do I get involved?

For more information on how to volunteer and get involved with the Basic Needs Center, please visit our Get Involved page.

If you are looking to collaborate with the Basic Needs Center, whether that is for a presentation request, joint program, interview, or more, please fill out our Collaboration Request Form

For Staff & Faculty

What can I do to support the basic needs of those that I teach/work with?

Thank you for wanting to advocate for the well-being of others! Our efforts wouldn't be complete with you. You can follow these steps to become a Basic Needs Champion:

  1. Include the Basic Needs Center website and relevant information on your syllabi and email signature
  2. Request a Basic Needs presentation on our services and efforts for your class or group
  3. Host CalFresh eligibility screenings and application sessions for your class or group by emailing calfreshsupport@berkeley.edu
  4. If you are concerned about the well-being of someone you know, you can direct them to this website where they can search for resources or suggest that they complete our Basic Needs Assistance Form to receive one-on-one care coordination support. Alternatively, you can submit a Care Report through the Center for Support and Intervention and the student will be referred directly to our team.

I’m concerned about the well-being of someone I know, what should I do?

If you are concerned about someone’s basic needs, please direct them to this website where they can search for appropriate resources, or complete the Basic Needs Assistance Form, and potentially meet with one of our staff.

Alternatively, you can submit a Care Report through the Center for Support and Intervention (CSI) and the student will be referred directly to our team.

For Non-UC Berkeley Affiliates

I'm interested in starting my own Basic Needs Center/Food Pantry. Can I request a meeting with you to learn more?

To learn more about our work, request a meeting, or inquire about a partnership, please fill out our Collaboration Request Form.