Beginning this month, more California college students may qualify for CalFresh benefits, expanding access to groceries while they pursue their education
Previously, college students had to meet an additional eligibility requirement, such as working at least 20 hours a week, participating in a work-study program, caring for a child or qualifying through another exemption or public assistance program
Under the new policy, students enrolled at least half time in an associate or bachelor’s degree program at California’s public higher education institutions may now qualify through a new student eligibility pathway. The change applies to both new applications and annual renewals
Students enrolled in associate or bachelor’s degree programs at California Community Colleges, California State University and University of California campuses are encouraged to check their eligibility andapply
Allison Harris, a spokesperson for the County of Sacramento, said food insecurity can disproportionately affect certain student populations, including Black students, because of broader economic disparities
“For many college students, access to CalFresh is not just about food assistance; it can be a factor that helps them remain enrolled, maintain their health and successfully complete their education,” Harris said
Local campuses are also working to address student food insecurity. Sacramento State offers two rets, Inc. Food Pantry
The ASI Food Pantry provides groceries exclusively for students, while the Basic Needs Reg diapers and baby food
Since opening in September 2025, the Basic Needs Re
Dr. Danee Pye, health communication specialist at Sacramento State, said she is encouraged by the expanded CalFresh eligibility because it will allow more students to access food assistance
“Any change that helps students is a positive one,” Pye said, adding that she is pleased the state has taken this step to expand access
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“CalFresh and the BNRC serve different and complementary roles,” Pye said. “CalFresh helps students build longer-term food security by providing monthly grocery benefits, while the BNRC provides immediate support and helps fill gaps when students need assistance right away. We expect the eligibility changes will increase awareness of available food rewith both CalFresh and BNRC services.”
According to Sacramento State’s 2026 National College Health Assessment,about 54%of students reported experiencing food insecurity
National research also shows Black college students experience basic needs insecurity at disproportionately high rates
Pye cited a 2024 report fromThe Hope Center,which found that 51% of Black and Indigenous college students experienced food insecurity, compared with 36% of their white peers
“Often this results in poor academic performance and may eventually lead students to drop out,” Pye said. “That’s why it’s important that support services are accessible, visible, culturally responsive and designed to reduce barriers to seeking help. Every student deserves the opportunity to focus on their education rather than worrying about when they’ll be able to eat next.”
Kyle Nelms, a fourth-year political science major and student lead for media and marketing at Sacramento State’s Basic Needs Re
“I know how widespread the food insecurity issue is in America,” he said. “I can imagine how, at universities located in food deserts, college students are relying on the local 7-Eleven for snacks or driving down the street to Wendy’s, Burger King or McDonald’s.”
Given what campuses know about student needs, Nelms said food pantries and basic needs <a href="https://todaytrendnews7.com/local-politicians-secure-5m-for-youth-mental-health-centers/” title=”Local politicians secure $5m for youth mental health centers”>centers should be standard services at colleges and universities
“It’s something that’s not only easily doable but appropriate when you see how many students are food insecure,” he said. “Of course colleges want to see the best graduation and retention rates, so it’s kind of a no-brainer.”
While the Basic Needs Rees and major corporations, Nelms said community members who want to support Sacramento State students can also make donations
“Local communities play a major role in strengthening the impact of CalFresh for food-insecure college students,” Harris said. “By combining outreach, enrollment support, food access programs and broader social services, local communities can help ensure that eligible college students not only receive CalFresh benefits but are also able to consistently access healthy food.”
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