CSUSM Helping Students Amid CalFresh Disruptions
The federal government shutdown might soon be ending – a vote in Congress could be held in the coming days – but it’s unclear how long it will take the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to return to normal operations.
Cal State San Marcos students who receive benefits through CalFresh, California’s version of SNAP, could experience delays in receiving those funds and potential decreases to the amount in November. According to a recent article from the California State University Chancellor’s Office, an estimated total of more than 85,000 students may be impacted by the CalFresh delays.
In light of this disruption to students’ basic needs, CSUSM is doing all it can to offer assistance to help fill the gap and keep students on the path to success.
“At CSUSM, we understand that when students experience unexpected disruptions, like the recent delays in CalFresh benefits, their ability to remain focused on their academics is impacted,” said Viridiana Diaz, CSUSM's vice president for Student Affairs. "I’m proud that our campus community is responding with care and action through expanded food pantry hours, emergency funding and community food distributions. No student should ever have to worry about where their next meal will come from. Our commitment to the holistic well-being of our students remains a priority."
Here is a list of resources that are available during this time:
Emergency Food Distribution
Associated Students, Inc., is teaming up with Feeding San Diego to host an emergency drive-through food distribution for the campus as well as the local community.
The event will take place Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon in Lot N (next to Parking Structure 1). ASI is seeking students, employees and community members to volunteer to make the distribution happen – setup begins at 8 a.m. and cleanup starts at noon.
You can register to volunteer at SignUpGenius.
ASI Cougar Pantry
The ASI Cougar Pantry serves all CSUSM students to decrease food insecurity on campus. The pantry offers dry and canned goods, produce, milk, toiletries and diapers – free of charge.
Location: University Commons 104
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (extended hours from Nov. 12-19 and open until 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Email: cougarpantry@csusm.edu
Each currently enrolled CSUSM student can shop once per week for free groceries.
ASI Fresh Market Monday
Biweekly food distribution of free fruits and vegetables for CSUSM students thanks to generous partner Feeding San Diego. Don't forget to bring your student ID and a reusable bag.
- Location: Cesar Chavez Plaza
- Hours: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., first and third Monday of the month
- Upcoming dates: Nov. 17, Dec. 1
ASI Cougar Pantry On-the-Go
Additional snacks and produce are available in 10 locations across campus:
- ACE Scholars Services office (Administrative Building 3400)
- ASI office (University Student Union 3700)
- Clarke Field House
- COMPASS Center (Kellogg Library 1103)
- EOP/TRIO (Admin Building 4100)
- Kellogg Library (second floor)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Building (first floor)
- STEM Success Center (Extended Learning Building, Room 251)
- Student Health & Counseling Services Building (lobby)
- Veterans Center
Swipe Out Hunger
The Swipe Out Hunger program provides up to 10 well-balanced, on-campus meals per semester to students experiencing food insecurity and/or an emergency. Eligible students can dine at Campus Way Cafe or Kalamata Mediterranean Hilltop Grille (limited lunch menu) in the USU.
ASI Student Emergency Fund
The ASI Student Emergency Fund provides $350 to currently enrolled CSUSM students who encounter an unexpected financial emergency or catastrophic event in which their basic needs and/or ability to function as a student are impacted.
San Diego Food Bank
The San Diego Food Bank offers a wide variety of food and non-food related programs designed to help San Diegans in need.
Feeding San Diego
Feeding San Diego offers food assistance at sites throughout San Diego County. Use the “Find Help" map to search for free food distributions near you by entering your zip code.
211 San Diego
211 San Diego offers real-time updates on food distribution schedules, eligibility and local resources. Visit the website or dial 2-1-1 for immediate support.
If you need help navigating available options, reach out to the Cougar Care Network at ccn@csusm.edu or visit www.csusm.edu/ccn.
Media Contact
Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306