Food Resource Center
Are you struggling to afford food while attending IVC?
You are not alone. We are here to help.
IVC students struggling with food insecurities are encouraged to seek out resources in the Food Resource Center (FRC). The Food Resource Center is a free, confidential service aiming to provide registered students with the appropriate resources to manage a sufficient, healthy diet. The program provides short-term relief and offers referrals for additional community support and ongoing assistance with food insecurity.
Currently enrolled IVC students, who have paid their health fee, may schedule an appointment with us by calling 949-451-5665 or coming into the Food Resource Center during our hours of operation. Urgent and emergent cases will be seen without an appointment.
Our Services for Current Students
Food Resources
CalFresh
CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, provides monthly food benefits to individuals and families with low-income and provides economic benefits to communities. It provides long-term food assistance. For an individual household, there may be up to $234 of assistance provided per month. If you would like assistance with applying for CalFresh, please email IVCBasicNeeds@ivc.edu.
CalFresh Eligibility for Students
Many IVC students are eligible for benefits. Students must meet both Part I and Part II eligibility requirements:
Eligibility Part I
You MUST meet ALL of the following requirements:
- Students MUST be U.S. citizens, Legal Permanent Residency (LPR), or have someone in their household who is able to apply for CalFresh.
- Students MUST be currently enrolled at IVC AND enrolled in at least 6 units.
- Meet income guidelines for their household size:
CalFresh INCOME GUIDELINES (October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022) |
Household Size |
Gross Monthly Income |
Maximum CalFresh Benefit |
1 |
$2,148 |
$250 |
2 |
$2,904 |
$459 |
3 |
$3,660 |
$658 |
4 |
$4,418 |
$835 |
5 |
$5,174 |
$992 |
6 |
$5,930 |
$1,190 |
7 |
$6,688 |
$1,316 |
8 |
$7,444 |
$1,504 |
9 |
$8,202 |
$1,692 |
10 |
$8,960 |
$1,880 |
Each additional member |
+ $758 |
+ $188 |
Monthly Minimum Allotment $16 |
Eligibility Part II
You MUST meet ONE of the eligibilities below.
- Work at least 20 hours per week, on average
- Are approved for work-study money and have not refused any job assignments
- Are approved and awarded TANF funded Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B
- Have a Zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
- Are a full-time student who is a single parent to a child under 12
- A part-time student with a child age 6-11 without adequate child care
- Are receiving CalWORKs benefits
- Are enrolled in CalFresh employment and training or another job training program accepted by CalFresh
- Do not plan to register for the next school term
Documents You May be Asked For
- Proof of Enrollment
- Proof of Income (paystubs)
- Proof of Financial Aid (obtained from your Student Aid Report on FAFSA)
- Legal Identification (driver's license, CA ID card, passport)
- Proof of Rent Paid
After Applying
I've Applied, What Now?
After applying, you will receive a blocked call from CalFresh in a couple of days to verify your situation. If approved, you will receive your benefits within 30 days.
How Do I Buy Food With CalFresh?
CalFresh benefits are accessed by using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. An EBT card is used the same way you would use a debit or ATM card. Eligibility and the amount of CalFresh benefits you receive depend on individual factors such as income and certain living expenses. These benefits can be used at many grocery stores and campus markets — check out the list of locations that accept EBT.
Renewing CalFresh
To continue receiving CalFresh you must submit a SAR 7 form every six months either at the Orange County Social Services website or by mail. You'll be notified by text or email before documentation is due. Be sure to submit this on time to avoid cancellation of your benefits.