Navigating CalFresh: how this underutilized resource can combat food insecurity

The online CalFresh application is pictured on a phone. CalFresh is a federally mandated, state-issued food assistance program for individuals facing food insecurity. (Leydi Cris Cobo Cordon/Daily Bruin senior staff)
By Isabel Rodriguez
Feb. 4, 2025 4:47 p.m.
This post was updated Feb. 6 at 10:41 p.m.
One-third of UC undergraduates are eligible to receive financial assistance for their groceries.
CalFresh, a federally mandated, state-issued food assistance program, can award up to $292 per month for approved individuals facing food insecurity. However, out of the 72,300 UC undergraduates eligible for the program, only 22% of those students actually receive these benefits, according to the California Policy Lab. While there is legislation in place to ensure the distribution of this financial assistance, students may face barriers to receiving it.
Food insecurity, which is limited or unreliable access to safe and nutritious foods, affects approximately 3.8 million college students in the United States, according to a 2020 survey conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The issue of food insecurity is particularly present within the UC system, where the National Institute of Health reported food insecurity affects a disproportionately high number of students at 44% of the student population, in comparison to the 21% in the California State University system.
Antonio Sandoval, alumnus and founding chair of the Basic and Essential Needs Committee, said he has seen students of different identities and backgrounds struggle with food insecurity on campus including international students, students with dependents and undocumented students.
Despite coming from different socioeconomic backgrounds, many UCLA students may find themselves collectively facing the burden of the cost of groceries.
Melanie Jalpa, a third-year English student and recipient of CalFresh, said she could not find any budget-friendly grocery stores near campus that were similar to Walmart or local grocery stores from her hometown in East Palo Alto, California.
Isabelle Southern, a third-year business economics student receiving CalFresh, said the higher overall cost of living in California also contributes to food insecurity.
“Everything is relatively higher (in California) compared to most places. Especially if you’re coming from out of state, you’re completely caught off guard,” Southern said.
U.S. federal legislation that addresses these struggles has been in place for nearly a century.
In 1939, the Roosevelt administration operated the First Food Stamps program through the physical trade of stamps in exchange for food, eventually resulting in the passage of the 1964 Food Stamp Act and 1977 Food and Agriculture Act. The evolving legislation helped establish the general guideline of income eligibility at the federal poverty line, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
To benefit from state programs created under federal legislation such as CalFresh, individuals can apply on GetCalFresh.org by submitting their gross income, legal residence and verifiable documents such as proof of enrollment or financial aid disbursements. Once submitted documents have been reviewed, the applicant will need to schedule and participate in a phone interview as the final step.
If denied, applicants can appeal their case through the CalFresh Initiative’s partnership with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. The CalFresh Initiative is a student-run organization part of the Basic and Essential Needs Committee dedicated to helping students navigate the process of participating in the program.
Despite the noticeable rate of food insecurity and solutions in place, Southern said low participation among eligible students may be a result of the tedious application process.
Sandoval said lack of familial support and awareness about food resource programs contribute to student nonparticipation in federal financial food aid. He added that some students may feel embarrassed, uncomfortable or even ashamed in utilizing assistance programs such as CalFresh.
“Even using the food closet here, there was a lot of shame involved in that 10 years ago, 20 years ago,” Sandoval said. “But now, I think students realize we’re part of a community together, and we don’t need to be ashamed.”
For students who may be reluctant to apply or may not even be aware, CalFresh recipients including Southern said the benefits are worth the work and patience.
“When you have more flexibility with money and you have money to spend, you’re going to buy better things, buy things that better fuel you,” Southern said. “It definitely was life saving.”