What is CalFresh?
CalFresh is California's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that awards those who are eligible with monthly grocery benefits, up to $298 (starting October 1st, 2025), based on individual need to buy food by supporting their food budget. CalFresh benefits are accessed by using an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, used the same way you would use a debit or ATM card. These benefits can be used at many grocery stores and campus markets.
How can we help:
Our CalFresh team at the Basic Needs Center are here for your food security needs! The CalFresh team works closely with the San Diego County workers. With this partnership, we provide UC San Diego eligible students, both Undergraduate and Graduate, support throughout their application process, follow up support for renewal, and more.
Get Support with your CalFresh Application!
Basic Needs CalFresh Team Support
Spring Quarter Finals Week
virtual drop-in zoom link: 223-978-3211
Monday:
Virtual Appointments: 10am-4pmVirtual Drop-Ins: 12pm-1pm
Tuesday:
Virtual Appointments: 10am-12pm, 2pm-6pm
Virtual Drop ins: 12pm-1pm
County Appointments: 12pm-2pm
Wednesday:
Virtual Drop-Ins: 10am-11am
Thursday:
Virtual Appointments 10am-12pm, 2pm-5pmCounty Appointments: 12pm-1pm
Friday:
all CalFresh operations closed
CalFresh County Of San Diego Services
Spring Quarter Finals Week
Wednesday:
9am - 3pm In Person Drop-Ins @ the Basic Needs Center
Start your application here!
Apply for CalFresh on your own!
Click the button below to get started with your CalFresh application.
Book an appointment here!
Click the button below to fill out the "CalFresh Assistance Form.” You will receive an automated email prompting you to book an appointment with the CalFresh Team.
Check this out!
Student Testimonial
“Having access to the UCSD Basic Needs CalFresh Team support has made my experience here at UCSD all the more better. Working directly with the team has been such a good experience, I feel supported and uplifted. I didn’t realize before how much the lack of food security impacted my daily life as a student. From the application process to actually receiving CalFresh, it has changed my experience significantly. I am extremely grateful for this resource of campus and I encourage everyone to utilize it as well!"
- CalFresh Student Testimony
