College Students FIND Food Bank, Student Food Bank Help

College Students

Resources for College Students

Of 20 million college students, 39 percent are low-income and face the challenge of paying for tuition, housing costs, books, and food. It is difficult to balance school, work, life, and a limited budget. We also know the physical and mental health effects these consequences have on developing individuals who are working to receive a higher education.

Learn why college students are especially vulnerable to food insecurity

FIND Food Bank works to address the increased food insecurity on campus by partnering with local colleges to provide nutritious food and outreach services like CalFresh application assistance directly on campus to eliminate barriers for students facing food insecurity.

College of the Desert Central Pantry

We partnered with the College of the Desert to provide healthy-food options to all students at the Central Pantry location on campus. College of the Desert students volunteer to manage the pantry stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and non-perishable food items. FIND’s Community Health Worker is also on-campus three times a month to offer application assistance and life-saving services to improve public health and student well-being.

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CalFresh for College Students

CalFresh is a state program that awards you up to $281 monthly for groceries. Essentially, it’s a free debit card to buy food at participating grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and restaurants to help you stay healthy. It won’t affect your financial aid and you don’t need your parent’s tax return information to apply.

2 in 5 students are eligible for CalFresh.

This includes part-time workers, EOP students, Cal Grant recipients, parents, and students with an EFC of $0 or eligible for Work-Study. Take a minute to check your eligibility.

It takes just a couple of minutes to check your eligibility and apply to receive up to $234 a month. You’ll get a call from CalFresh in a couple of days to verify your situation. If approved, you’ll get money within 30 days.

Apply for CalFresh!

Apply Now

Californians For All College Corps Fellows

The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps will help create debt-free pathways to college while engaging students across the state in solving problems in their communities.

This first of its kind initiative was launched in partnership with California colleges. College of the Desert is deploying local students to help address food insecurity at FIND Food Bank. In return for their service hours, students receive $10,000 – including a living allowance and Education Award. There are currently 40 College of the Desert Fellows working at the Central Pantry on the COD campus and volunteering at FIND, including AB 540 CA Dream Act Students.

Learn more and apply!