As college costs continue to rise, CalFresh can help students afford groceries while balancing the costs of tuition, housing, transportation and other essentials. Beginning June 1, 2026, California is making it easier for many college students to qualify for CalFresh, helping more students access food support while focusing on their education.
A simpler path to CalFresh
As of June 1, 2026, undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time at California Community Colleges, California State University campuses and University of California campuses will no longer need to meet additional student work requirements to qualify for CalFresh.
This change is separate from the federal SNAP work requirement updates that took effect this year. While some CalFresh recipients may be affected by expanded work requirements, California has also taken steps to make it easier for many college students to qualify for benefits. Through the Local Program to Increase Employment (LPIE), more students may now qualify for a student exemption, helping reduce barriers to accessing food support while attending school.
Why this matters and how it helps college students
Many students balance classes with jobs, family responsibilities and rising living costs. At the same time, previous eligibility rules could made it difficult for student to qualify for CalFresh, even for students facing challenges affording groceries.
The new exemption helps reduce paperwork and eligibility hurdles, making it easier for eligible students to access benefits that can help stretch their grocery budgets. Additionally, as of March 1, 2026, grants, scholarships, loans and fellowships for higher education are no longer counted as income when determining CalFresh eligibility — another change that may help more students qualify. And students do not need to have a declared major to qualify.
Get help applying
If you’re a college student and aren’t sure whether you qualify for CalFresh, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley can help.
Our team can answer questions, help you understand eligibility requirements and provide support with the application process. Even if you don’t qualify for CalFresh, Second Harvest can connect you with free, nutritious food resources throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Our Connexion alimentaire team is available Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our staff is multi-lingual and can support speakers in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin and Tagalog, with three-way interpretations available for other languages.
Need help with CalFresh? Contact Second Harvest’s Food Connection Hotline at 1-800-984-3663 ou visitez notre CalFresh assistance page to learn more and get application assistance.