The Latest Research on CalFresh & College Student Success

CalFresh can help college students afford food so they can focus on their studies, but many eligible students still aren’t enrolled.
About this Event

Join the California Policy Lab (CPL) for a lunch-time briefing in Sacramento on new research examining gaps in CalFresh participation among college students, how recent policy changes are expanding access, and what CalFresh means for students’ success.

We’ll share key takeaways from new research on:

• CalFresh access: How many students at California Community Colleges, CSU, and UC are likely eligible for CalFresh, and how many are enrolled,
• Recent policy changes: How a new California Department of Social Services (CDSS) policy is streamlining CalFresh eligibility for students in qualifying programs, and how many students could benefit from this new policy?
• Student success: How receiving CalFresh affects community college students’ educational outcomes.

Following a research presentation, leaders from California’s public higher education systems and CDSS will discuss what the findings means for students, campuses, and state policy. We’ll leave time for audience questions.
Speakers include:
Professor Jesse Rothstein, University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Heather King, University of California, Office of the President
Colleen Ganley, California Community College Office of the Chancellor
Emily Kass, California State University, Chancellor's Office
Alexis Fernández Garcia, California Dept. of Social Services

The California Policy Lab is a nonpartisan, applied research institute at the University of California with research priorities covering education, criminal justice reform, poverty and the social safety net, labor and employment, health, and homelessness and high needs populations.