CalFresh

Calfresh

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 electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards that look just like any other credit or debit cards.

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What is Cal Fresh Outreach?

The CalFresh Outreach Program is funded through the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and is implemented in partnership with county social services offices. It assists people through the entire CalFresh application process, including assistance with the application itself, obtaining verification documents, navigating the 30-day application period, as well as the renewal process.

Where do I go for Assistance?

Basic Needs Center Staff is available to help students complete their applications for CalFresh in person or on the phone. This assistance is available by appointment, email BNC@napavalley.edu to schedule.

During the Spring 2025 semester, a Napa County Eligibility Specialist will be onsite at the Basic Needs Center to help support students with their CalFresh eligibility or application questions. Drop-in support is available during the following days/times:

April 1st and 15th @ 9am - 12pm
May 6th and 20th @ 9am - 12pm

Application Process

  1. Step 1: Make an appointment for assistance with one of our BNC staff members to go through the prescreen process.
  2. Step 2: If you think you may be eligible, complete and submit an application with our team through BenefitsCal. Although the application is available online, we encourage you to apply online with the help of your CalFresh Outreach Team because they are very familiar with the questions and will likely get you through the application faster.
  3. Step 3: Once the application is received by the county, your 30-day application period begins.
  4. Step 4: During this 30-day period, you will need to do the following:
    • Complete your interview with the county office by phone or in person (The county office will either call or mail you a date and time for your interview)
    • Let your CalFresh Outreach Team know if you have not heard from the county within the first 7 days
  5. Step 5: You will then be required to provide verification documents to your county office or upload on BenefitsCal. This must also be completed during the 30-day period. Your application will not be approved if you do not submit verification documents that meet their requirements.

    Examples of verification documentation include:
    • Copy of ID
    • Proof of address
    • Utility Bill
    • Pay stubs
    • Financial aid award letter and schedule (if a student)
  6. Step 6: In order to keep your CalFresh benefits, you will be required to do the following:
    • Complete a Semiannual Report (called a SAR 7 Eligibility Report) 6 months after your initial application is approved. They County will let you know when this is due.
    • Complete a Recertification Application and be interviewed before the end of your certification period.
    • The County will let you know when your Recertification Application is due and will send you a letter confirming the time and date of your interview. Most interviews will be conducted over the phone.
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