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.
CALFRESH IMPORTANT UPDATE:
CalFresh benefits for the month of November may be delayed being deposited on to your EBT card. For future food support, check out the resources offered at UC San Diego Basic Needs Center and regional resources.
Get Support with your CalFresh Application!
Basic Needs CalFresh Team Support
In-Person Drop In Hours
Tuesdays: 10am-12pm @ RAZA Resource Center
Wednesdays: 11am-1pm @ Cross Cultural Center
Thursdays 10am-12pm @ RAZA Resource Center
Virtual Appointments
Mondays: 11am-1pm, 3-5pm
Wednesdays: 11am-4pm
Fridays: 12pm-5pm
*To schedule an appointment, please fill out our "CalFresh Assistance Form"*
CalFresh County Of San Diego Services
In-Person Drop In Hours
Wednesdays: 9am-3:30pm @ Student Center A Thich Nhat Hanh Room
Virtual Appointments
Tuesdays: 12pm-2pm
Thursdays: 12pm-2pm
**Please note: this is for case inquiry or unique circumstances. To schedule and appointment, use this link and fill out the "case inquiry (County of San Diego)" option.**
Start your application here!
Apply for CalFresh on your own!
Click here to get started with your CalFresh application.
Need assistance with your CalFresh application?
For quick questions please email us at calfresh@ucsd.edu.
Book an appointment here!
Please fill out the "CalFresh Assistance Form” and 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
