CalFresh grants $150 in grocery money per month

STAR // Dennae taylor

Haley azevedo tabling for CalFresh Outreach Days.

Do you ever feel like you have to prioritize education over your basic nutritional needs? As a student, money can be tight and balancing your own checkbook isn’t easy. If this is relatable, CalFresh may be a program fit for you. 

What is CalFresh? According to one of the program's very own coordinators, Ember D’Agosta, “Calfresh is a nutrition program that provides eligible households and individuals with a monthly allowance for groceries.” Once accepted into the CalFresh program, eligible students can receive $150 or more towards food expenses.

A member of the CalFresh team, Jason Arellano, is an assistant who described the program as, “An easy way students can schedule an appointment and receive a customized level of support through an EBT card.” Near Sonoma State there are many retailers who support the CalFresh program, six of which are within a one mile radius of the school. EBT cards can be used at popular stores such as Safeway and Walmart, as well as sonoma county farmers markets.

D’Agosta spoke about how, “Our CalFresh office on campus is where we work with students and find out if they are eligible for the program.” They also work with students who do not qualify for CalFresh to find other resources around or near campus that may be helpful to them. Additionally, they work closely with other schools to continually improve the CalFresh program.

The CalFresh coordinators are happy to help those needing assistance. Alyssa Gardea is a Calfresh Coordinator who aims to normalize the use of the program since some students put a stigma around utilizing the resource. Gardea described how “There is nothing wrong with needing support when you need it.”

A member of the CalFresh team, Jason Arellano, is an assistant who described the program as, “An easy way students can schedule an appointment and receive a customized level of support via an EBT card.” Near Sonoma State's  Campus there are  retailers who support the CalFresh program, six of which are within a one mile radius of the school. EBT cards can be used at Sonoma county farmers markets as well as popular stores such as Safeway and Walmart. Calfresh requires appointments for interviews to see if you qualify for the program’s support. If you are off campus and wish to find a more local way to get an in person appointment, CalFresh is available throughout the entire CSU system. They also have offices in several local counties allowing for students anywhere to participate. 

Qualifying students must follow at least one of the many requirements. Some of these requirements include: working at least 20 hours per week on average, receiving CalWORKS benefits,  working in CalFresh employment or another job training program accepted by CalFresh.To contact CalFresh online, you can reach them by email at CalFresh@sonoma.edu or fill out the intake form at forms.gle/La8hvz1ubccwRKY48. For any further questions, the programs office is located on the second floor of the student center. 

Even if you are not sure if this is for you, there is zero downside of seeking the consultation of the CalFresh team. Student life can be stressful, so don’t wait to take advantage of this opportunity and take a hold of your situations.