California’s colleges are facing a major issue with students not being able to afford food. It’s a real problem, guys. A report from 2023 by the California Student Aid Commission found that more than two-thirds of students who apply for financial aid experience food insecurity once they hit college. That’s a lot of hungry students, if you ask me.
The CalFresh program, which is funded by the federal government, tries to help out by feeding some college students. But here’s the kicker – the application process is super complicated, and a lot of students who are actually eligible don’t end up getting any help. According to a report from the California Policy Lab in 2024, more than 70% of eligible students miss out on CalFresh benefits. It’s a real shame, really.
To tackle this issue, California decided to set aside some money in 2021 for public colleges and universities to create basic needs centers with food pantries. The California State University, University of California, and California Community Colleges systems each get a nice chunk of change every year for this purpose. As of 2023, every public higher education campus in the state has one of these centers and food pantries. It’s a step in the right direction, but is it enough? Who knows.
Oh SNAP! at Cal Poly Humboldt is doing some cool stuff. Students there are not only stocking shelves and helping out with pantry orders but also offering support for CalFresh applications. They even have an organic farmer providing produce and giving classes on cooking and gardening. And get this – they have pop-up thrift stores where students can grab clothes and housewares for just $5. It’s like a one-stop-shop for all your needs.
Compton College is going above and beyond by serving free meals to every student and employee on campus. They even give students money to spend at the farmer’s market. It’s a real feast, according to one student. And guess what? It’s actually helping students stay in school. The completion rate for those who received free meals and market money was higher than the general population. That’s pretty impressive, if you ask me.
At Contra Costa College, they’ve got these cool refrigerated lockers where students can pick up their pre-ordered groceries between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. every weekday. They also offer free meal vouchers three days a week. It’s a real game-changer for students who can’t make it to the pantry during open hours. Plus, who doesn’t love a good mystery package of food items?
Antelope Valley College is encouraging students to take more classes by rewarding them with points for each unit enrolled. These points can be used at the on-campus pantry to buy food and other essentials. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved. And it’s all part of the Fresh Success program, which aims to support low-income students with workforce development services. Sounds pretty neat, right?
Lorena Moreno at Cerro Coso Community College noticed that students without legal status were struggling to get help because they weren’t eligible for CalFresh benefits. So, she started the WileyFresh program to provide these students with a monthly gift card for groceries. It’s a great way to support those who are often left out of traditional assistance programs. Good on her for stepping up and making a difference.
In conclusion, there are some really cool initiatives happening at California colleges to help students in need. From free meals to food lockers to point systems, these programs are making a difference in students’ lives. It’s heartwarming to see communities coming together to support each other in times of need. Let’s hope these programs continue to grow and help even more students in the future.
