Understanding the CalFresh Benefit

By Alina Martin

CalFresh, a government-run program aimed at helping low income families gain access to nutritious food, is available to Glendale Community College students that apply in the 2022 academic year

The CalFresh program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, offers households and individuals monthly financial assistance in order to afford meals and other basic necessities Jacqueline Kamei, a former GCC CalFresh ambassador, helped to shed light on requirements in an email interview.

Jacqueline Kamei, a former GCC CalFresh ambassador, helped to shed light on requirements in an email interview “Even if students are not sure about whether they would be eligible for the program, it is always beneficial to apply because there have been cases where people were eligible despite initially thinking that they did not qualify,” said Kamei “When I was in the ambassador program, we were also informed that calling the number 2-1-1 which is a phone line meant to help people with food resources as well as other essential services, could be beneficial , ” she continued 2-1-1 is a free telephone number providing access to local community services

Kamei was asked about how students should sign up for the program and how the application process works for GCC students “GCC students would have to fill out an online application,” she explained “They would go to www students getcalfresh org/s/ ccc and complete the online application, which often takes

The GCC Food Pantry provides food and groceries, including produce, non-perishable food items, pantry staples and even hygiene products The Food Pantry receives daily deliveries of donations from Trader Joes The pantry is open to any students who are enrolled in at least one class at the Verdugo or Garfield campuses and are food insecure. Students can make an appointment once a week, up to 14 days in advance. The Food Pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 11a m to 4 p m and can be located at the San Rafael building, Room 122

For more information, visit: www glendale edu/FoodPantry

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If the student would like some assistance with filling out their CalFresh application, they could contact CalFreshOutreach@glendale edu with their questions ”

Kamei stressed that “applicants also need to submit proof of their eligibility through various documents, such as a copy of your ID, Proof of income, Proof of Immigration, Proof of student status. The application will then be reviewed by a county caseworker, and the applicant will be informed of whether they are eligible for CalFresh It takes approximately 30 days for the application to be reviewed

Over this period, there will also be an interview conducted by the county, in person or by phone

Once approved, applicants will receive their Electronic Benefits Transfer Card (EBT), which they could begin using at grocery stores, farmers markets, and select restaurants ”

Eligibility for CalFresh benefits is based upon the number of people that reside in a household. The amount of benefits received depends on household income and certain expenses

According to CalFresh Data, effective Oct. 1, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2022, the Gross Monthly income needs to be at $2904 00 and net monthly income at $1,452 for a household of two