With the city of Long Beach in 19th pace in California for households that receive CalFresh assistance, Long Beach City College should accept SNAP benefits, which are benefits for students who receive government assistance.
These benefits are put on an electronic benefits transfer or “EBT” card and can be used at any grocery store or restaurant that accepts it as payment for food items.
Allowing and advocating for merchants on our campus to accept these services will be advantageous for all students whose only source of food is through government welfare.
CalFresh is a government program that accepts applicants throughout the year that are homeless, disabled, or have no income or financial support.
For students that use EBT cards it is imperative to have access to restaurants or stores that accept them.
Having this service on campus prevents students from traveling distances in between classes for a snack or quick lunch especially students that don’t have the time.
According to the Statistical Atlas, food stamp usage in Long Beach yields 19.4k households that receive SNAP benefits. Considering this volume of government assistance recipients, it is only logical that LBCC make an effort to participate in the restaurant program to be able to accept students in this community who buy their food with CalFresh benefits.
David McDonald, Viking West Coast Grill manager, explained the process of applying and advocating for the use of EBT, as a restaurant owner.
LBCC is on the waitlist and it’s complicated trying to figure out how many students on campus actually utilize EBT.
McDonald showed concern about the unfortunate subject but there isn’t much left to do but wait.
More support and persistence from the campus community and board of trustees can help move this proposal forward.
EBT should have a place at LBCC and any amount of low income, needy, homeless, or underprivileged students at Long Beach is enough reason to consider and advocate for these resources.