In the past 12 months, Cal Poly’s CalFresh Outreach program helped 561 students apply for federal food benefits. Most Cal Poly student CalFresh participants currently receive more than $200 per month for groceries. Students say that this benefit changes their lives. What’s more, every $1 of CalFresh benefits generates $1.79 in GDP, meaning those 561 students can inject nearly $3,000,000/year into the local economy: A true win-win!
Cal Poly faculty and staff have expressed interest in easy-to-use resources to advocate for student basic needs. Our CalFresh Outreach website contains helpful resources for faculty and staff, including Canvas-friendly visuals, videos, and syllabus statements and printed Cal Poly CalFresh Outreach note cards that contain quick and easy information related to food access resources.
