The supplemental nutrition assistance program: How does CalFresh work for college students in California? A policy analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this policy analysis was to analyze California’s implementation of CalFresh as a part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) using research articles and state and governmental documents. The analysis explored the amendment to CalFresh to student eligibility and the consequences of implementation. The amendment to the policy increased eligibility to students that were previously disqualified from receiving nutritional assistance on the basis that they were attending an institution of higher education. A thorough examination of the act provided an understanding of how benefits are distributed among qualifying college students. Though CalFresh is available to many low-income Californians, the information presented in this policy analysis focused on traditional college students and in detailing the benefits they are able to receive through the CalFresh Student Eligibility Amendment.