CalFresh — monthly food benefits on an EBT card
Student parents almost always qualify because of the student exemption for parents of kids under 12. Use the card at most grocery stores and at farmers markets.
• Apply online: BenefitsCal.com or GetCalFresh.org
• Or on campus, work with Fresh Success — they walk you through the application
On-campus CalFresh help
Fresh Success — VVC Basic Needs
Email: freshsuccess@vvc.edu • basic.needs@vvc.edu
Phone: (760) 245-4271 ext. 2934
CalWORKs — monthly cash for families with kids
CalWORKs gives families with at least one child monthly cash to help with rent, utilities, food, and clothing. Going to college counts toward your Welfare-to-Work hours.
Apply through the county
• Apply or renew online: BenefitsCal.com
• San Bernardino County TAD (Transitional Assistance Department): (877) 410-8829
VVC CalWORKs — on-campus support if you're already getting county CalWORKs
If you're receiving CalWORKs from the county, the VVC CalWORKs program adds campus support: an education plan that keeps you compliant with Welfare-to-Work, help with book and supply costs, gas cards (subject to availability), and exclusive work-study jobs that don't reduce your county cash aid.
To enroll on campus, visit the VVC CalWORKs Office or speak to your county worker.
VVC CalWORKs Program
Location: Building 23 (One Stop)
Email: CalWORKS.Office@vvc.edu
Phone: (760) 245-4271 ext. 2592
Hours: Mon–Thu 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Website: vvc.edu/what-calworks
WIC — food and support for pregnancy and young kids
WIC provides monthly benefits for healthy food, plus breastfeeding/chestfeeding support and nutrition education. For pregnant parents, new parents, and kids up to age 5 who meet income guidelines.
• Victorville office: 15247 11th Street, Victorville, CA 92395
• Mon–Wed 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM • Thu 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM • Fri 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Phone: (800) 472-2321 • Text: ApplySBWIC to 800-472-2321
• wic.sbcounty.gov
Medi-Cal — free or low-cost health insurance
Covers doctor visits, hospital care, vaccines, prescriptions, and pregnancy care. For low-income individuals and families. Apply at coveredca.com.
Covered California — affordable health plans
If you don't qualify for Medi-Cal, Covered California offers subsidized plans — some for less than $10/month. Call (800) 300-1506 or visit coveredca.com.
VVC Basic Needs — Thrive Care Corner
Show your student ID for free daily snacks and school supplies. Order a weekly food box online for pickup. Pre-made hygiene kits once per semester. The Thursday Thrive Mart has fresh produce and pantry staples.
Thrive Care Corner
Location: Building 51A, 51B, & 51C
Email: basic.needs@vvc.edu
Phone: (760) 245-4271 ext. 2935
Mon–Wed 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (closed noon–1) • Thu 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM • Fri 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
If you're in the NextUp Program, you may have food support built in too
• NextUp (foster youth) — includes food support as part of its overall package. NextUp@vvc.edu • ext. 2929