Student Health and Counseling Center
Student Parents and Basic Needs Support
Fresno State is committed to supporting the health, wellness, and stability of all students, including parent scholars and their families—on and off campus. Whether you're navigating college life or caring for a family, there are resources to help meet your essential needs:
On Campus Support
The CalFresh Program provides monthly food benefits to help low-income students and households buy food for themselves and their families. CalFresh benefits are issued through an Electronic Benefit Transfer Card, which can be used at grocery stores and participating farmers markets. Eligibility is based on income and is open to students and children who are U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens.
To help determine whether you are eligible, use this website. Students can also visit the Student Cupboard for pre-screening and application assistance.
Visit the Center for Essential Needs for support with essential resources like food assistance, emergency housing, and other supportive services. Every California public college has a Basic Need Center to help you access resources you need to thrive.
Stop by in Family Food Science Room 110, call 559.278.6736 or email centerforessentialneeds@mail.fresnostate.edu to learn more about available assistance.
Off Campus Support
The CalWORKs Program provides monthly cash assistance to low-income families with at least one child in the home to help cover essential needs such as rent, housing, food, clothing, medical payments, and utilities. CalWORKs benefits are issued to support basic household stability and may include additional supportive services like child care assistance and housing support. Eligibility is based on income, age, and citizenship.
To apply for benefits, go to this website.
The California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program supports pregnant individuals, new parents, and young children (birth through age four) in staying healthy and meeting their nutritional needs. WIC provides monthly cash benefits to purchase healthy foods, along with access to nutrition education, breastfeeding/chestfeeding support, and referrals to additional family resources. This program aims to ensure that families have the resources they need for a healthy start.
To learn more about eligibility and apply, visit the WIC website or contact a local WIC office.
Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health care to low-income individuals and families, ensuring access to essential medical services. Medi-Cal can help cover doctor visits, hospital care, vaccinations, pregnancy-related services, medications, and more.
To learn more about eligibility and apply, visit the Medi-Cal website or visit your local Department of Health Care Services.
The Covered California program provides affordable health insurance options to individuals and families, ensuring access to essential health care services. Additionally, it offers financial assistance to lower the cost of health insurance, with some plans available for less than $10 per month. This program can help cover expenses for doctor visits, hospital care, medications, preventive services, and more.
To learn more about eligibility and apply, visit the Covered California website, call 800-300-1506, or contact a certified enroller or your local Department of Health Care Services.