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CalFresh Outreach 

Basic Needs Logo

  •  CalFresh is a nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need.
  •  CalFresh dollars help stretch a tight food budget and help many people afford to incorporate healthy foods like fruits and vegetables into their diets.
  • CalFresh is the name of the USDA-funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the state of California. Recipients receive and “spend” CalFresh benefits electronically, via personal Golden State Advantage electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards that look just like any other credit or debit cards.

What the CalFresh Outreach program can help you with:

  • Services during drop-in assistance
  • Application Help
  • Eligibility Prescreen
  • Appeals Assistance
  • Required Verifications
  • Interview Preparation
  • Questions Answered
  • Helpful Materials
  • Recertification Help

Student Eligibility

Students can only qualify for CalFresh if they meet certain criteria. There are many definitions and exemptions that can be confusing. Read carefully in order to find out if you are considered a student and whether you may be eligible. Even if you are not eligible for CalFresh, remember that other people in your household may still qualify.

CalFresh Approved Majors (LPIES) 

Student Eligibility has expanded for Mt. SAC CalFresh Outreach. Mt. SAC students enrolled in a Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIES) are now likley eligible for CalFresh food benefits! If you are enrolled in any of the approved major/certificates below you are encouraged to submit a CalFresh application, or meet with our team for application support. 

    • Humanities and S.S. Division
      Art History, AA-T
      Communication Emphasis, AA Liberal Arts and Sciences
      Communication Studies, AA-T
      English, AA-T
      Environmental Studies Emphasis, AA Liberal Arts and Sciences
      Geography, AA-T
      History, AA-T
      Humanities Emphasis, AA Liberal Arts and Sciences
      Journalism, AA-T
      Language Arts Emphasis, AA Liberal Arts and Sciences
      Philosophy, AA-T
      Political Science, AA-T
      Psychology, AA-T
      Sign Language/ Interpreting, AS & Certificate
      Social & Behavioral Sciences Emphasis, AA Liberal Arts and Sciences
      Sociology, AA-T
      World Languages & Global Studies, AA
    • Arts Division
      Animation, AS
      Junior Game Designer-Introduction
      Junior Game Designer-Foundation
      Junior Animator Level I / II
      Virtual Reality Design Certificate
      Television Production, AS
      Television Crew Certificate
      Film Television and Electronic Media, AS-T
      Video Engineering Certificate
      Fine Arts Emphasis, AA Liberal Arts & Sciences
      Studio Arts, AA-T
      Graphic Design Level I Certificate
      Graphic Design Level II Certificate
      Graphic Design Level II: Web Design Certificate 
      Graphic Design Level II: Generalist Certificate 
      Graphic Design Level II: Motion Graphics Certificate 
      Graphic Design Level II: Marketing Certificate 
      Audio Arts Certificate
      Music, AA-T
      Photography, AS
      Photography, Level I Certificate
      Photography, Level II
      Photography Digital Technician Certificate
      Photography Video Production Certificate
      Radio Broadcasting: Behind the Scenes, AS
      Radio Broadcasting: On the Air, AS
      Radio Broadcasting: Behind the Scenes, Certificate
      Radio Broadcasting: On the Air, Certificate
      Theater Arts, AA-T
      Technical Theater Certificate
    • Business Division
      Accounting, AS
      Accounting Certificate
      Accounting Computerized Certificate
      Accounting Managerial Certificate
      Accounting Tax Preparation Certificate
      Accounting Bookkeeping Certificate
      Accounting Financial Planning Certificate
      Business Administration, AS-T
      Business Management, AS
      Business Retail Management, AS
      Small Business Management, AS
      Marketing Management, AS
      Business Emphasis, AA
      General Business, AS
      Human Resoures Management, AS
      International Business Management, AS
      Business Management Certificate - Level I
      Business Management Certifcate - Level II
      Business Management Certificate - Level III
      Supply Chain Management Certificate
      Business Retail Management Certificate - Level I
      Business Retail Management Certificate - Level II
      Business Retail Management Certificate - Level III
      Human Resources Management Certificate - Level I
      Human Resources Management Certificate - Level II
      Human Resources Management Certificate - Level III
      International Business Certificate - Level I
      International Business Certificate - Level III
      International Business Certificate - Level III
      Marketing Management Certificate
      Small Business Management Certificate - Level I
      Small Business Management Certificate - Level II
      Small Business Management Certificate - Level III
      Child Development, AS
      Early Childhood Education, AS-T
      Education Paraprofessional (Instructional Assistant), AS
      Child Development Administration Certificate
      Child Development Early Intervention & Inclusion Certificate
      Infant / Toddler Development Certificate
      Child Development Certificate - Level I
      Child Development Certificate - Level II
      Child Development Certificate - Level III
      School Age Specialization Certificate
      Computer Network Administration & Security Management, AS
      Computer - Data Base Management Systems, AS
      Computer Programming, AS
      Information Technology Emphasis, AA Liberal Arts & Sciences
      Administrative Assistant, AS
      Artificial Intelligence in Business Certificate
      Big Data Analytics Certificate
      Administrative Assistant Certificate - Level I
      Administrative Assistant Certificate - Level II
      Administrative Assistant Certificate - Level III
      Introduction to Computer Information Technology Certificate
      Microcomputer Productivity Software Certificate
      Programming in C++ Certificate
      CIS Professional Certificate in C++ Programming
      CIS Professional Certificate in Java Programming
      CIS Professional Certificate in Web Programming
      CIS Professional Certificate in Object Oriented Design & Programming
      CIS Professional Certificate in Network Security
      CIS Professional Certificate in Networking
      CIS Professional Certificate in Excel and Access
      CIS Professional Certificate in Windows Operating System Administration
      CIS Professional Certificate in SQL
      CIS Professional Certificate in LINUX
      iOS Programming Certificate
      Android Programming Certificate
      CIS Cloud Computing for Amazon Web Services Certificate
      Baking & Pastry, AS
      Culinary Arts Management, AS
      Baking & Pastry Certificate
      Culinary Advanced Certificate
      Culinary Arts Certificate
      Consumer Relations Certificate
      Fashion Design Technologies, AS
      Fashion Merchandising, AS
      Fashion Computer-Aided Design Certificate
      Fashion Design Certificate - Level I
      Fashion Design Certificate - Level II
      Fashion Merchandising Certificate - Level I
      Fashion Merchandising Certificate - Level II
      Hospitality & Restaurant Management, AS
      Hospitality Management, AS-T
      Hospitality Management Certificate - Level I
      Hospitality Management Certificate - Level II
      Restaurant Management Certificate - Level I 
      Restaurant Management Certificate - Level II
      Hospitality Event Planning & Catering Certificate
      Hospitality Food Services Certificate
      Interior Design, AS
      Interior Design: Kitchen and Bath, AS
      Interior Design Certificate - Level I
      Interior Design Certificate - Level II
      Interior Design Certificate - Level III
      Interior Design Kitchen & Bath Specialization Certificate
      Nutrition and Dietetics, AS-T
      Nutrition Certificate
      Paralegal/Legal Assistant, AS
      eDiscovery and Litigation Support Certificate
      Real Estate, AS
      Real Estate Broker Certificate
      Real Estate Sales Certificate
    • Kinesiology, Athletics, Dance Division
      Kinesiology, AA-T
      Kinesiology & Wellnes Emphasis, AA Liberal Arts 
      Athletic Trainer Aide Certificate
      Coaching Certificate
      Fitness Specialist / Personal Trainer Certificate
      Pilates Professional Teacher Training: Cadillac, Chair, Auxiliary Certificate
      Pilates Professional Teach Training: Mat & Reformer Certificate
      Dance, AA
      Dance Teacher Skills Certificate
    • Natural Science Division
      Agricultural Science & Technology, AS
      Animal Science Fundamentals Certificate
      Plant Science (Agriculture), AS-T
      Horticulture Science Certificate
      Horse Ranch Management, AS
      Horse Ranch Management Certificate - Level I
      Integrated Pest Management, AS
      Landscape Design Certificate - Level I
      Landscape Construction Certificate
      Landscape Irrigation Certificate
      Landscape Park and Maintenance Certificate
      Public Works / Landscape Management Certificate
      Interior Landscaping Certificate
      Livestock Production Management Certificate
      Ornamental Horticulture, AS
      Nursery Management Certificate
      Park Management Certificate
      Sports Turf Management Certificate
      Park & Sports Turf Management, AS
      Pet Science Certificate
      Tree Care and Maintenance Certificate
      Registered Veterinary Technology, AS
      Mathematics Emphasis, AA
      Mathematics, AS-T
      Natural Sciences Emphasis, AA Liberal Arts & Sciences
      Histologic Technician Training, AS
      Applied Laboratory Science Technology, AS
    • Technology and Health Division
      Aviation Science, AS
      Commercial Flight, AS
      Unmanned Aircraft Systems, AS
      FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
      Unmanned Aircraft Systems Certificate
      Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, AS
      Building Automation, AS
      Welding, AS
      Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Certificate
      Building Automation Certificate
      Welding Certificate
      Welding: Automotive welding, Cutting, & Modification Certificate
      Welder: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certificate
      Welding: Semiautomatic Arc Welding Certificate
      Welder: Licensed Certificate
      Airframe and Aircraft Powerplant Maintenance Technology- Evening, AS
      Airframe and Aircraft Powerplant Maintenance Technology- Day, AS
      Aircraft Powerplant Maintenance Technology Day Certificate 
      Aircraft Powerplant Maintenance Technology Evening Certificate
      Airframe Maintenance Technology Day Certificate
      Architectural Design Concentration, AS
      Architectural Design Concentration Certificate - Level I
      Architectural Design Concentration Certificate - Level III
      Architectural Technology Concentration Certificate - Level I
      Architectural Technology Concentration Certificate - Level II
      Architectural Technology Concentration Certificate - Level III
      Engineering and Construction Technology, AS
      Industrial Design Engineering, AS
      Manufacturing Technology, AS
      CAD Technician Certificate
      CNC Technician Certificate
      Engineering and Construction Technology Certificate - Level I
      Engineering and Construction Technology Certificate - Level II
      Industrial Design Engineering Certificate - Level I
      Industrial Design Engineering Certificate - Level II
      Industrial Design Engineering Certificate - Level III
      Manufacturing Technology Certificate
      Manufacturing Foundation Certificate
      Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology, AS
      Computer Networking Technology, AS
      Digital Systems Technology Certificate 
      Electronic Assembly and Fabrication Certificate
      Electronics Communications Certificate
      Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology Certificate
      Electronics Industrial Systems Certificate
      Electronics Technology Certificate - Level I 
      Electronics Technology Certificate - Level II
      Computer and Networking Technology Certificate - Level I
      Computer and Networking Technology Certificate - Level II
      Addictions Counseling, AS
      Psychiatric Technician to RN, AS
      Mental Health Technology - Psychiatric Technician, AS
      Mental Health Technology - Psychiatric Technician Certificate
      Addictions Counseling Certificate
      Licensed Vocational Nurse to RN, AS
      Nursing, AS
      LVN 30 Unit- Option - Career Mobility Track
      Radiologic Technology, AS
      Computed Tomography Certificate
      Mammography Certificate
      Respiratory Therapy, AS
      Administration of Justice, AS
      Administration of Justice, AS-T
      Administration of Justice Certificate
      Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic, AS
      Paramedic Certificate
      Fire Technology, AS
      Fire Officer Certificate
      Fire Technology Certificate

First, it is important to determine if you are considered a student.

Who is likely CalFresh Eligible?

You are likely considered a CalFresh eligible student if you are:

  • Between the ages of 18-49 years old
  • Are physically and mentally “fit” for employment.
  • Enrolled at least half-time (at Mt. SAC, it is 6 units or more). We also support non-credit Education students.
  • Also meet AT LEAST ONE of the following requirements:
    • Enrolled in an educational program that has an approved employment and training component to increase employability for CalFresh, or,
      • Learn more about approved Local Programs that Increase Employability (LPIE) from our CalFresh Outreach Team
    • Single parent or guardian of child/children under the age of 12 or,
    • Awarded or eligible for Federal/State Work Study (per Financial Aid package) or,
    • Awarded Cal Grant A or B (per Financial Aid package) or,
    • Are enrolled in CalFresh employment and training or another job training program accepted by CalFresh; (EOPS, Aspire, REACH Guardian Scholars, SSEED, AB12) or,
      • If participating ACCESS, please email calfresh@mtsac.edu for additional eligibility information
    • A part-time student with a child age 6-11 without adequate childcare or,
    • Are receiving CalWORKS or MediCal benefits or,
    • Employed or self-employed at least 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month.

For more information regarding CalFresh student eligibility please email Calfresh@mtsac.edu.

Funded by USDA SNAP, known in California as CalFresh, an equal opportunity provider and employer, and The California Department of Social Services

Who is not a CalFresh Eligible Student?

The student eligibility rules do not apply to people who are:

  • Age 17 and under or age 50 and older, or
  • Physically and mentally “unfit” for employment, or
  • In high school, or
  • Enrolled less than half-time, or
  • Enrolled in programs or classes that do not require a high school diploma or GED, or
  • Enrolled in schools that are not considered institutions of higher education.

If you do not meet student eligibility and you meet basic eligibility you should apply for CalFresh.

Basic Eligibility

In CalFresh, a household is a group of people who regularly buy and eat food together. The people in a household do not have to be related to each other.

  • Households can be as small as one person
  • The same address can have more than one household
  • You don’t need to have a home to receive CalFresh

Basic Eligibility Questions:

Does anyone in your household have a social security number? 

Is your monthly income before taxes less than the amount allowed?

Use this chart to see if your household’s monthly income, before taxes and other deductions, is under the limit allowed for your household size.

  • Please note the following household types that must apply together:
    • Children under the age of 22 who are living with their biological, adoptive, or stepparent(s)
    • A married couple who lives together
    • An unmarried couple living together with a common child

Income Guidelines
October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024

Household Size Gross Monthly Income Food Allotment Range
1 $2,430 $23 - $291
2 $3,288 $23 - $535
3 $4,144 $23 - $766
4 $5,000 $23 - $973
5 $5,858 $23- $1,155
6 $6,714 $23 - $1,386
7 $7,570 $23 - $1,532
8 $8,428 $23 - $1,751
*Add this amount for each additional member + $858 + $219

Where do I go for assistance?

Visit the Basic Needs Resources Center in building 9C to receive one-on one application assistance. You can apply for benefits at our Basic Needs Resources Center. 

Make an appointment for assistance

Apply at the comfort of your own pace

If you’d like to apply for CalFresh benefits at your own pace and would like for our team to track your application and provide guidance and advocacy, you are welcome to complete the short 10 minute application through our Mt. SAC URL referral below!
Apply for CalFresh benefits now!

Office HoursIf you have any additional questions you can email us at: CalFresh@mtsac.edu


Community Partnerships: Center for Healthy Communities

Our CalFresh Outreach efforts at Mt. SAC would not be possible without the incredible support of our partner, Chico State's Center for Healthy Communities (CHC). Center of Healthy Communities is a leader in research-based nutrition, physical activity, and policy changes to support community health. Center of Healthy Communities provides our CalFresh Outreach Program with the resources needed to better serve our Mountie student population. 

Contact Us

         Mt. San Antonio College
         1100 N. Grand Ave

         Walnut, CA  91789

Campus Location   Campus Location
         Building 9C - Basic Needs Resources

Office Hours   Office Hours
         Monday-Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm
         Friday: 8:00am-4:30pm
        

Email  Email
        mountiefresh@mtsac.edu

Phone  Phone
        909.274.6170

Follow Us

Application Process 

  • Step 1: Prescreening with CalFresh Outreach Team during drop-in hours or appointment
  • Step 2: If eligible, complete and submit an application with CalFresh Outreach
  • Step3: Your 30-day time frame begins when you submit your application online.
  • Step 4:  Within two weeks, you will complete your phone interview.
    • The county social service department will call or mail you a date for your interview
    • Answer ALL unknown or private numbers because it might be for CalFresh
    • Let the CalFresh Outreach Team know if you have NOT been contacted 2 weeks from your date of submission
  • Step 5:  After your interview, you will be required to submit verification documents to your county office to complete your application. You must submit your documents on time or result in submitting a new application. Examples of verification documentation include:
    • Form of ID
    • Proof of address
    • Utility bills
    • Pay stubs
    • Financial aid award letter and schedule
    • Special Program (EOPS, REACH) verification letter
  • Step 6:  If approved, you can now begin using your CalFresh benefits!