The Challenge: Food Insecurity in Higher Education

while California provides free lunches to all students in elementary through high school, the reality shifts dramatically onc thay enter college. A 2023 report by the california Student Aid Commission revealed that over two-thirds of students who apply for financial aid experience food insecurity.

According to a 2024 California Policy Lab report,more than 70% of eligible students do not receive CalFresh benefits.

Statewide efforts and Their Limitations

California has allocated annual funds since 2021 for public colleges and universities to establish basic needs centers with food pantries.The California State University and University of California systems each receive $15 million, while California Community Colleges receive $30 million annually. By 2023, every public higher education campus in the state had a basic needs center and food pantry.

Though, these resources frequently enough prove insufficient, prompting campuses to develop their own innovative solutions.

Campus Innovations: A Closer Look

Cal Poly Humboldt: Leveling Up the Food Pantry

Cal Poly Humboldt’s “Oh SNAP!” program is a full-service food program where students stock shelves, fill orders, and provide CalFresh application support.They also offer tea and coffee to create a welcoming habitat.

• Reducing Food Waste: In 2016, students negotiated with campus dining services to collect unused food for the pantry.
• Local Partnerships: Oh SNAP! hires a local organic farmer to provide produce and offer cooking and gardening classes.
• thrift Store: The program runs pop-up thrift stores where students can fill a bag with clothes and housewares for $5, with proceeds going back into the program.

Anna Martinez,a student at Cal Poly Humboldt,said Oh SNAP! provides peace of mind. I don’t have to really worry too heavy on whether or not I can afford food, becuase if I can’t, there’s always Oh SNAP! I can go to.

The program recorded 30,000 visits last year,according to Mira Friedman,health education and clinic support services lead.

Compton College: Free Meals for All

Compton College stands out by providing a free daily meal to every student and employee. Students also receive $20 each week to spend at the campus farmer’s market. CalFresh recipients get $50 weekly for the market and can use their EBT cards at campus dining services.

We’re doing more than any other community college in the state of California and also nationally. How many schools can say that students receive one meal per day on their campus from their cafeteria?

Keith Curry, Compton College President

Student Corinthia Mims described the cafeteria as joy, always buzzing. Her twin, Cynthia Mims, added that the free meals [students] feel embraced and they feel notable. It’s a feast.

Data shows that students who received free meals and market money were more likely to complete their classes,with a completion rate 1% to 2% higher than the general population.

Sociologist Sara Goldrick-Rab, an advocate for college student basic needs, believes a free daily meal is exactly what is needed on college campuses. She conducted a study at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston,where free daily meals increased graduation rates.

Contra Costa College: Food Lockers for Convenience

Contra Costa College addresses accessibility issues with 20 refrigerated lockers in the campus cafeteria. Students can pick up pre-ordered, free groceries between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The campus compass Center also offers free meal vouchers to students three days a week: 50 for breakfast, 75 for lunch, and 15 for dinner.

Teddy Thollaug, a student at Contra Costa College, appreciates the hot meals and food lockers, especially on days when their disability makes cooking challenging. A typical order includes fresh fruit, vegetables, butter, cheese, and a “mystery package.”

According to Hope Dixon, the basic needs center coordinator, the center served 5,008 students and 14,785 families of students in 2024.

Antelope Valley College: Earning Points for Food

Antelope Valley College’s Fresh Success program incentivizes full course loads by awarding students points for enrolled units. these points can be used at the on-campus pantry to purchase food, toiletries, and laundry soap.

Jill Zimmerman, dean of the Antelope Valley College student health and wellness center, explained that full-time students get more points as that’s our goal. We want you to get your degree, and [if you’re a full-time student,] you’re less likely to be able to run around and get all the other community resources.

Alliza Wade, a STEM major at Antelope Valley College, said Fresh Success has a very, very significant impact on how I’m able to live and eat, and how I’m going to be able to pursue my future, as [it helps with] saving and being able to eat healthy.

Cerro Coso Community College: Supporting Non-CalFresh Eligible Students

Cerro Coso Community College’s WileyFresh program provides assistance to students ineligible for CalFresh, particularly those without permanent legal status. Eligible students receive a monthly Albertson’s gift card valued at $291, similar to the amount provided by CalFresh.

Students participating in WileyFresh are required to attend workshops that support academic and personal growth.

Lorena Moreno, the basic needs coordinator, aims to expand the program to include more students who can’t enroll in CalFresh, stating, As ultimately, that’s what it’s intended for – this population who is missing out.

The Limitations of meal-Swipe Programs

While many colleges offer meal-swipe donation programs, research indicates they are not highly effective. These programs allow students to donate unused meal swipes to fellow students in need.

Sara Goldrick-Rab evaluated Swipe Out Hunger and found that active programs see just 300 swipes a year.

Goldrick-Rab stated, At the bottom line, I would rather give people money than food, but I still think the National School Lunch Program is critically important. I just want all of it. I want the guaranteed basic income. I want a higher minimum wage. Because all of it is scientifically working.