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The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Student news without fear or favor

Students can sign up for CalFresh at Sac State

Students+can+sign+up+for+CalFresh+at+Sac+State

If thoughts like, “I have to stop eating out,” “I don’t eat the right foods,” and “I spend too much money on food” ever cross your mind, then you’re likely not alone.

Student Health and Wellness at The WELL is helping students at Sacramento State tackle these insecurities by assisting them with signing up for CalFresh, a program formerly known as “food stamps.”

Danielle Munoz, a case manager, said she hopes to destigmatize the idea of food insecurity.

“A lot of students would share with me in case management that they felt embarrassed,” said Munoz. “They felt other people’s problems were bigger than theirs so they wait and wait (to apply).”

Munoz said more students struggle with hunger than most realize.

“Twenty-four percent of our students are reporting that they are hungry and that means that they may not have money to eat,” Munoz said.

The CalFresh program has always been available to students, but it wasn’t until the Center for Healthy Communities at Chico State obtained a grant and looped in the additional 11 CSUs that the program began to expand on college campuses.

Jennifer Campbell, a registered dietitian at Sac State, said anyone that qualifies for CalFresh will receive assistance based on their need. She also added that the federally funded program benefits the community surrounding the university.

“For every dollar of CalFresh money spent, it’s (around) $1.79 back to our local economy,” Campbell said.

Campbell also works with students to save money while shopping for groceries.

“(We have) a conversation on how to help get assistance, resources for food and tips for budget shopping and meal preparation,” she said.

Virgil Rambeau, a student affairs case manager intern, and Munoz said they both are willing to help and guide students with any insecurity of the application process.

“The requirements are quite complex but we are here to help them with the confusion because  a lot of students don’t know if they qualify,” Rambeau said.

The CalFresh program just initiated in January and any students who are interested can go to drop-in assistance on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., or call to make appointment.

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  • Danielle McDonaldMay 17, 2017 at 1:01 pm

    I am really confused about this. The article mentions that its always been available, but last fall I tried to sign up for CalFresh and even talked to a representative about how to qualify and they told me students DO NOT qualify at all. Has the qualifications changed since last year?