The U.S. Department of Education expanded student eligibility for CalFresh (food stamps) on February 23 and LBCC is providing CalFresh application assistance through the LA county food bank.
CalFresh is the state administered federal program for supplemental food assistance. It is federally known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
During the pandemic the needs of students have changed.
Justin Mendez, LBCC Basic Needs manager said, “One of the biggest factors that the pandemic has created is unemployment in our students. Lots of students are asking for help for their needs, food, housing, and paying bills.”
LBCC is partnering with an LA food bank representative to assist students. The representative helps make sure students are eligible and provide help through the CalFresh application process.
Mendez said, “In the past, students received $12-$14 per month. During the pandemic students are receiving up to a maximum of $204 per month.”
LBCC students who need support in applying for CalFresh can do so by contacting Cinthia Onoa, who is the LBCC CalFresh representative. Her email is conoa@lafoodbank.org.
During the duration of the pandemic, students who are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work-study are not required to be working during the academic school year to be eligible for food stamps. In addition, having an expected family contribution (EFC) of 0 helps students qualify for CalFresh.
Federal work-study is a program that provides part-time jobs for students on-campus to help pay for educational expenses. EFC is calculated when students apply for financial aid through FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Under regular (non-pandemic) CalFresh rules, eligibility for students apply for those who are enrolled full-time and both qualify and are working at least 20 hours in federal work study jobs.
The exemption will end 30 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted.
The College Student Hunger Act presented by Senator Elizabeth Warren in 2019 would help extend student eligibility for SNAP programs in each state beyond the pandemic. No new updates in regards to the status of the bill have been presented as of this year.
On Feb. 17, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, announced an agreement to provide about $6 million for support, outreach and application assistance for newly eligible students enrolled at any California university, state university and community college. The agreement includes an additional $12 million in state funds to support the county’s administrative workload.
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) announced on Sept. 29, 2020 the start of the notification process for eligible Cal Grant students. This means the CSAS is tasked with notifying Cal Grant recipients who meet eligibility requirements under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
The TANF program provides grant funds to states and territories to help provide financial assistance for families.
It is still uncertain how CalFresh eligibility rules will affect students after the pandemic is lifted.
Students at LBCC can access basic needs and resources through the Viking Vault. It is located in the Liberal Arts Campus (LAC) in room E-131.
The Viking Vault also offers free groceries and snacks and hosts Grab-n-Go events where students can pick-up free food without having to get out of their car. The hours of operations are Monday’s and Tuesday’s from 9:00am-5:00pm. Students must wear a mask, bring their student ID.
There are no limits to the amount students can access the Viking Vault.