Applying for CalFresh
By: Ann Nguyen ‘22
You may have heard of CalFresh before but didn’t really know what it was or if you qualified. If you qualify, CalFresh can make a lot of difference in helping with monthly expenses. Here’s everything you need to know about applying! To receive personal assistance with your CalFresh application, sign up for an appointment on CalFresh Day — this Wednesday, January 29th from 9 AM to 4 PM in TCC 224— here (http://bit.ly/DPSSdayUSC).
What is CalFresh?
CalFresh (also known as SNAP or Food Stamps), is a federally-funded food assistance program and applies to many students, including students who have work-study, receive CalGrant A or B, have a child, or work over 20 hours per week outside of USC. It doesn’t affect existing financial aid, and you don’t need your parent’s tax returns to apply. Students complete an application in person or online and then receive a call in-person or over the phone to confirm eligibility. If they qualify, students will then receive an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card that can be used at locations such as Ralphs, Trader Joe’s, and Target and is reloaded monthly.
Why should I apply?
You could be eligible to receive up to $192 each month. The average qualifying student receives $150/month. These funds can be used to purchase food items at places that accept CalFresh including:
USC’s Wednesday Trojan Farmer’s Market in McCarthy Quad
Locations in the USC Free Lyft (Fryft) Zone
Grocery Stores
Smart and Final
Martinez Mini-Market
Ralph’s Grocery Store
Target
Trader Joe’s
Convenience Stores
CVS Pharmacy
7-11
Mini-market
Cal Mart
Sunshine Discount Market
GV Mini Market
Trojan Liquor
Pancho’s Mini Market
Lee’s Market and Liquor
Other Locations, including Family Dollar, Costco and Sam’s Club, Walmart, and Food 4 Less
Do I qualify?
You may be eligible for CalFresh if you meet the following qualifications:
Be a U.S. citizen and meet income and social security guidelines
Receive federal or state work-study, meaning you are approved for state or federal work-study for the current school term and anticipate working during the term
Work 20 hours/week outside of USC or school work-study
Receive CalGrant A/B OR
Have a child
Important note: You do NOT have to live in California to apply for CalFresh. As a USC student, you are considered a California resident and are eligible to apply, regardless of your permanent address or birth state.
How do I apply?
You can apply on your own at this link (https://www.getcalfresh.org/en/apply).
You will need the following documents:
Proof of identification (birth certificate, passport, California State ID or Driver’s License)
A physical copy is necessary, but any of these documents can be from out-of-state.
Proof of attendance at USC (A pdf copy of your financial aid summary page)
Proof of rent (This can be the housing part of financial aid summary or lease agreement.)
Proof of Income (The most recent pay stub received from an employer(s))
Work-Study verification (on Financial Aid or letter)
Social Security Number and or card; Citizenship/legal residency if not born in the U.S.
The following additional documents are not necessary but may help you qualify for more money:
Utility costs
Scholarships/loans
Travel costs to/from work
Travel costs to/from school/home
This Wednesday, 1/29 in TCC 224 from 9AM-4PM, you have the chance to sit down with a county caseworker to submit an application and conduct a 30-minute interview on-the-spot.
You can also book an appointment with a USC social worker who will personally guide you through the application at any time using this link (http://bit.ly/uscappointment).
Other Campus Food Resources
Trojan Food Pantry: Anyone without a USC meal plan is eligible to get free groceries once a week from the campus food pantry. All you need to do is fill out a short intake form at the pantry.
Contact:
uscfoodpantry@usc.edu with any further questions you may have!
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