CalFresh provides monthly food benefits to help eligible students purchase groceries and reduce food insecurity while attending college.
Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card that can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and select fast food establishments.
Beginning June 1, 2026, associate degree, associate degree for transfer, and bachelor's degree programs at California public colleges are recognized as programs that may meet a CalFresh student exemption.
This means many MJC students pursuing a degree may qualify even if they do not meet the traditional 20-hour work requirement.
Many Modesto Junior College students may qualify for CalFresh.
You may be eligible if you:
Even if you're unsure, we encourage you to apply. Eligibility is determined by the county based on your individual circumstances
Applying for CalFresh can feel overwhelming, but you can take it one step at a time.
Visit BenefitsCal.com to apply online. Provide accurate information about your household, income, and expenses.
After submitting your application, your county may contact you for an interview or additional information. Check your mail, email, and phone messages regularly, including calls from unfamiliar numbers.
Follow the instructions provided by your county and respond to requests by the deadlines listed in your notices. Your county will determine whether you qualify and the amount of benefits you may receive.
When applying for CalFresh, it may help to have the following information available:
Identification and contact information
Information about your household members
Recent pay stubs or other income information, if applicable
Information about your rent, housing costs, and utilities
School enrollment or program information, if requested
Other documents requested by your county
Don't have everything on this list? You can still start your application. The documents needed depend on your circumstances, and your county will let you know if additional information is required.
In partnership with CalFresh advocates, Pirates' Pantry collaborates with a team who is ready to guide you through the process.
A representative will contact you to set up a time to go over any questions or can meet with you to assist you with the process.
CalFresh Application Assistance Request form
If your monthly benefits have been decreased and you need emergency support complete the form below.
Complete the MJC CalFresh Emergency Support Request Form
(Please upload your most recent CalFresh benefits statement for verification.)
No. CalFresh benefits are provided in addition to financial aid. They do not negatively impact eligibility or total amount you will receive in financial aid.
No. CalFresh is available to everyone who meets the eligibility requirements.
If you tried to enroll in CalFresh and received a Notice of Action letter saying you have been denied, we encourage you to call your county office. Most cases can be resolved by calling the county directly and asking for clarification about why the decision has been made. If you disagree with the decision made by the county about your case, fill out the back of the 'Notice of Action' to submit an appeal.
CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, refrigerated prepared meals, and seeds or plants to grow food. Benefits are accepted at participating grocery stores, farmers' markets, and select online retailers.
You may also use your benefits at participating restaurants through California's Restaurant Meals Program if you meet the program's eligibility requirements. Participating locations may include Subway, Jack in the Box, El Pollo Loco, Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Papa Murphy's. Not all locations participate.
Find participating retailers and shopping options:
Online grocery shopping: Select retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Instacart.
No, benefits received correctly generally do not have to be repaid. However, overpayments may have to be repaid in some circumstances. Contact your county if you receive a notice about an overpayment.
No, you are not required to report CalFresh benefits when you or your family is filing tax returns.
Some noncitizens may qualify for CalFresh, and eligible family members may qualify even if others in the household do not. Receiving CalFresh generally does not affect immigration status or count under the federal public charge rule.
If you are undocumented or do not qualify for CalFresh, you can still access MJC's food pantry and local food resources. Contact MJC Basic Needs or your college's UndocuAlly for assistance. You do not need to disclose your immigration status to access general campus food pantry services.
For more information, visit GetCalFresh.org/immigrants.
If you feel comfortable applying for CalFresh on your own, application can be completed in less that 10 minutes by visiting The CalFresh Application website.
A household is a person or group of people who buy and prepare food together.
If you need food right away, call 2-1-1 to find free food resources, local food banks, and community assistance near you. You can also visit MJC's Pirates' Pantry for campus food resources.
You may qualify for expedited CalFresh benefits within 3 days of applying if you meet certain criteria, including:
Your household has less than $150 in monthly gross income and no more than $100 in available resources.
Your household's combined monthly income and available resources are less than your monthly rent or mortgage and utility costs.
You are a migrant or seasonal farmworker who has stopped receiving income and have no more than $100 in available resources.
Need help applying? Contact MJC Basic Needs for CalFresh application assistance. You do not have to wait for your CalFresh application to be approved to seek emergency food resources.
