Find Food Support
At the Basic Needs Department, we are seeking to normalize access to nutritious food through our programs. Below are the primary ways our department can help you with food security, from immediate, no-questions-asked options on campus to long-term assistance with grocery costs for those who are eligible for CalFresh.
Our Mini Market
The Mini Market provides free, nutritious groceries for all Las Positas College students and is located in the Welcome Center. In addition to groceries, we offer hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and other essentials.
To access the Mini Market, students must be enrolled in credit courses this semester
and have their student ID with them.
Fall 2025 Mini Market Hours:
Monday CLOSED FOR RESTOCKING
Tuesday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Please note that we are closed for lunch daily from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM.
Additional Food Support
For additional food support options, including community food pantries, hot meal programs, and other nutritional resources, we maintain a comprehensive guide with available resources.
Comprehensive List of Community Food Resources
CalFresh
CalFresh is a federally funded program, also known as SNAP/EBT, that provides eligible
students with up to $298 per month to purchase food. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT
card, which can be used at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and online retailers.
CalFresh does not affect financial aid.
Are You Eligible for CalFresh?
Check the CalFresh Student Eligibility Overview below to see if you qualify.
CalFresh defines a student as the following:
- Between the ages of 18 and 49
- Enrolled at least half time in an institution of higher education
- Physically and mentally able to attend school and work
Meet ONE Student Exemption:
- Been awarded work study for the current academic year
- Work 20 hours/week or 80 hours/month
- Have a dependent under the age of 12
- Receive TANF-funded Cal Grant A or B (note, not all Cal Grant A or B are TANF Funded. An email from the California Student Aid Commission can serve as documentation)
Most college students are eligible! If you meet the program guidelines you may qualify for CalFresh.
A U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident or at least one of the following is true:
- Has US citizenship
- Has a green card (for any length of time)
- Has refugee or asylum status
- Has parolee status for at least one year (Ukrainian parolees may qualify before one year)
- Has, or is applying for, a U-Visa or T-Visa
- Is an applicant for VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) relief
- Has Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)- would need to have their case reviewed for any documentation and see the status of their application for LPR
- Deportation withheld in certain circumstances
- Is a Cuban/Haitian entrant as defined in 501(e)
- Is an adult or minor who is a survivor of a severe form of human trafficking, or their spouse/parents/children
- Certain spouses and children who are survivors of interpersonal violence
- Is an Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant on certain Visa types
- Be a veteran of the United States military, or a member of the United States military, or a spouse or child of a person in the military or a veteran
- Be a member of a Hmong or Laotian tribe that fought with the United States military during the Vietnam War, who is lawfully residing in the United States
- On August 22, 1996, have been 65 years or older and lawfully residing in the United States (i.e., born before August 22, 1931)
- Be an American Indian with certain rights to cross the border between the United States and Canada or Mexico limited to certain Visa Codes
- Be a non-citizen national (born in American Samoa or Swain’s Island)
In CalFresh, a household is a group of people who regularly buy and eat food together.
- The people in a household do not have to be related to each other.
- Households can be as small as one person
- The same address can have more than one household
- You don't need to have a home to receive CalFresh.
Is your household's gross monthly income (before taxes and deductions) within the limits in the chart below?
Note: Student Financial Aid is not counted as income for CalFresh. Individuals receiving SSI/SSP in California are not eligible for CalFresh, but other members of the household may be.
Income Guidelines Number of People in Household Gross Monthly Income Max CalFresh Allotment* 1 $2,610 $298 2 $3,526 $546 3 $4,442 $785 4 $5,360 $994 Each additional member $918 $218
- Unpaid internships or volunteer work do not count towards the work requirement.
- Students who live with their parents must be 22 years of age or older to apply as an individual household.
- International, DACA, and DREAM students may not be eligible, even with a work VISA/SSN.
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) may be eligible.
- Students with a state certified disability only need to meet basic eligibility.
Need CalFresh Application Support?The Basic Needs Department has dedicated staff to help students navigate the CalFresh application process, understand eligibility requirements, and access this vital long- term food resource.
The application takes about 45–60 minutes, and benefits are typically received within 30 days of approval.
Click the link below to schedule a one-on-one appointment with us.
Want to Apply to CalFresh on Your Own?
Use our step-by-step guide to apply independently through BenefitsCal. You’ll find information on required documents, the interview process, and what to expect after applying.
Click the link to be directed to the CalFresh Online Application.
CalFresh Verification Documents:
Proof of Identification
- Passport
- Driver's License or Real ID
- School ID
- Military ID
- Social security card
- Proof of application (if no SSN exists)
School InformationNote: If you’re uploading these documents, you may select "School Verification" as your document type.
- Financial Aid Award Letter
- Class schedule or syllabus
- To access your class schedule, log in to your MyPortal >>Open Student Services>>Registration>>Student Detail Schedule>>Printable Class Schedule>>Select Current Term >>Print Page>>Save PDF
- Registration schedule or fees
- Financial aid College or university enrollment
- Written statement
- Attendance records
- Certificate of completion or diploma
Income (For Students Who Are Working)
- Pay stubs for the last 30 days OR
- Statement of earnings from your employer
Students with Work Study Jobs: Earnings from work-study jobs do not count as income for CalFresh; it's considered part of your financial aid package and is an exempt resource, meaning you should inform your caseworker that it's work-study income and provide proof, like your award letter, to ensure it's not counted against your benefits.
After you submit a CalFresh application, the County has up to 30 days to review it and determine eligibility. During this time, you will likely receive notice of a scheduled interview to review your application with a caseworker.
What’s discussed: Your caseworker will verify application details such as your student status, school enrollment, rent, utilities, bank accounts, and other relevant information.
If your application is approved, you will receive an approval notice, an EBT card, and a new PIN if this is a new case, sent to the address you provided. If your application is denied, you may be able to appeal with support from the Food Justice Scholars program.