State rule change lets more San Diego college students qualify for CalFresh

San Diego County said a recent change in state eligibility rules expands CalFresh access for college students.

The county provided enrollment figures to show demand; it said more than 18,800 San Diego County students received CalFresh benefits as of September 2026, up from about 13,500 in January 2024 and 6,000 in January 2020.

The county said the state change means students enrolled at least half time at a California Community College, California State University or the University of California now meet CalFresh enrollment requirements; previously, students had to satisfy stricter criteria.

The county also noted a separate federal change that took effect June 1; the federal rules granted students an exemption from CalFresh work requirements and widened eligibility.

CalFresh benefits can provide up to $306 a month for groceries, the county said.

To help students apply, the county said it places benefits liaisons on campuses, offers appointments and works with campus basic needs centers; it listed San Diego State University, University of California San Diego, Cal State San Marcos, Southwestern College, San Diego City College, Miramar College, MiraCosta College, San Diego College of Continuing Education and San Diego Mesa College as partners.

The county said it uses the online BenefitsCal application, printed and digital materials tailored to students and short videos to walk applicants through the process; it also said it most recently added six new program locations.

Students with questions can call the county’s Access Customer Service Call Center at 866-262-9881 or visit the BenefitsCal Student Center, the county said.

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