Expand EBT at UC DAVIS 

We, the students at UC Davis, demand EBT benefits to be dispersed campus-wide. Survey data collected in May 2018 by the Student Food Security Task Force at UC Davis found that 44% of UC Davis students experience food insecurity. EBT is only accepted in certain on-campus housing markets and is concentrated only in two campus markets. Students are forced to buy products at the Memorial Union or the ARC, which can be a challenge, especially if they have limited access to transportation. 

What is the Issue at Hand?

Due to EBT system failure and inactivity, EBT canceled its agreement with UC Davis in the Fall of 2021, then again in March 2023. UC Davis lost its EBT license causing the institution to reapply in May 2022, July 2022, and then again in March 2023. the long lines at the MU Market, coupled with the constant possibility of EBT readers malfunctioning and the excessive dependence on the MU Market, have resulted in significant inconveniences for students and prolonged periods of empty shelves that leave EBT SNAP users with limited food options.

The markets that carry the most nutritious refrigerated meals and snacks are the ones that deny access to SNAP benefits. We find this very concerning since this indirectly encourages low-income students to purchase fatty processed food hindering work performance and overall general health.

What are our Goals? 

We demand the administration take the following actions:

• Expand upon its existing supports, such as Aggie Eats.
• Enhance transparency and communication regarding the progress made in rectifying the issues with the readers while the EBT machines remain dysfunctional.
• Expand EBT services to Market such as the Silo and the Green.

Sources  

California Community College and University of California student participation in CalFresh food benefits​ 

ASUCD Senate Resolution #12​

Student Food Security Task Force Research at UC Davis ​

ECAC ASUCD EBT Project