Chapman students benefit from CalFresh to combat food insecurity

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What was once known as food stamps, CalFresh has rebranded its image, and provided an opportunity for working students to receive an extra set of help. 

CalFresh is a federally mandated program in California that provides low-income individuals with monthly food benefits. While Chapman students are working to pay for groceries, this program helps ease financial stress by stretching food budgets, making it easier for individuals and families to access nutritious foods, including more fruits, vegetables and other healthy options. 

Food items can be purchased at grocery stores or farmers markets that take electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. 

Grace Littrell, a junior communication studies major, said that despite the amount she received falling short of her expectations, any amount of money for groceries is helpful. 

“I received such little money which is crazy because I didn't have a big substantial job and was paying my utilities,” said Littrell. “What they gave me for a month could have covered maybe a week, not even. But any money towards groceries is great.” 

Littrell thinks no matter what income stage a college student is at, when it comes to groceries, any student could use a leg up. 

“I know some people get frustrated when people apply who might not necessarily need it, but as college students, we all need a little help,” said Littrell. “It’s there for a reason and if you're utilizing it then it's going to help show that people are still needing it.” 

Eliza Wenger, an English major and senior at Chapman University, has been using CalFresh since sophomore year of college. 

“I applied sophomore year and I’ve had to renew it every six months,” said Wenger. “It’s a pretty hefty application and the process for applying and renewal can be confusing, and it takes time because it is a government agency and I have had to wait at the county office to get it renewed.” 

Wenger added that she believes that the rebranding of CalFresh from food stamps completely revamped the entire system, making it more accessible to different demographics and encouraging people to apply that normally wouldn’t. 

“I would definitely recommend it because it’s one of those things where you really need the help and put in the work to get it, it’s worth it. You definitely have to work for it and be on top of the deadlines, but it is incredibly rewarding,” Wenger said. 

When asked about the stigma that might have come along with food stamps, and with students using extra assistance, Wenger added that it is a common misconception that students at Chapman do not require any extra help.  

“It depends on your general outlook and attitude on the service,” Wenger said. “I have two friends that use it and know of a lot of people that use it. At Chapman, sometimes it isn’t considered that students can use assistance in this area and there is this underlying assumption because we go to a private school. But I think having the card format can make it super seamless and accessible for everyone.”

According to Littrell, utilizing the benefits in the grocery store is a breeze.

“It's like a debit card,” said Littrell. “You go, swipe your card, put in your pin and it will put however much money they give you towards your groceries.” 

CalFresh can be an incredibly beneficial service for students that want the extra assistance and can receive additional help from a government service. Although it can be a tedious process, it can be worth it in the end. 

You can access CalFresh at this link or call this number 1-877-847-3663.