| Title: |
How Much Do College Students Get from CalFresh Each Month? Policy Brief |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Alan Perez; Sam Ayers; Jennifer Hogg; Johanna Lacoe; Jesse Rothstein; California Policy Lab (CPL); Community College Research Center (CCRC), Accelerating Recovery in Community Colleges (ARCC) Network |
| Source: |
California Policy Lab. 2025. |
| Availability: |
California Policy Lab. 2521 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94720. e-mail: info@capolicylab.org; Web site: https://capolicylab.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
7 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: |
Institute of Education Sciences (ED); Spencer Foundation |
| Contract Number: |
R305A220451 |
| Document Type: |
Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
College Students; Hunger; Food; Low Income Students; Budgets; Federal Programs; Nutrition; Welfare Services; Eligibility; Family Size; Student Characteristics; COVID-19; Pandemics; Emergency Programs |
| Geographic Terms: |
California |
| Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: |
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) |
| Abstract: |
College students are more likely to be food insecure than the general population. CalFresh (SNAP) food benefits can reduce hunger by helping low-income students pay for their food. This is particularly relevant as the rising cost of food is putting extra strain on students' budgets. Unfortunately, the administrative hurdles and time required to apply for CalFresh can be a deterrent, particularly if it is unclear to students how much support they could receive each month. This policy brief examines how much college students receive from the CalFresh food benefits and these findings show that CalFresh can make a meaningful difference in student's monthly food budgets and their food security. Entities conducting student outreach, including campus basic needs offices, may consider incorporating these figures into information campaigns to ensure college students are equipped with accurate information showing the role that CalFresh could play in supporting their monthly food budget. |
| Abstractor: |
ERIC |
| IES Funded: |
Yes |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
ED671209 |
| Database: |
ERIC |