Colleges Get Creative To Feed Their Students
7/30/2025 | 2mVideo has Closed Captions
Colleges boost food programs as 2/3 of aid applicants face hunger.
Despite state-funded basic needs centers and food pantries on every campus, many college students still struggle with hunger. Programs like Antelope Valley College’s Produce Pickup aim to fill the gaps as California invests millions to ensure students can learn without worrying about their next meal.
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SoCal Matters is a local public television program presented by PBS SoCal
Colleges Get Creative To Feed Their Students
7/30/2025 | 2mVideo has Closed Captions
Despite state-funded basic needs centers and food pantries on every campus, many college students still struggle with hunger. Programs like Antelope Valley College’s Produce Pickup aim to fill the gaps as California invests millions to ensure students can learn without worrying about their next meal.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipSince 2022, California has been offering free lunches to all students in elementary through high school.
Once they reach college, more than two-thirds of students who apply for financial aid experience food insecurity, according to a 2023 report by the California Student Aid Commission.
The federally funded CalFresh program feeds some college students, but the complicated application process and eligibility rules prevent many from accessing HUMS.
However, for many campuses, these solutions still aren't enough.
To fill the gaps, some have created their own innovative s.. To encourage and support students to take full course loads, Antelope Valley College initiated the Produce Pickup Program.
At Antelope Valley College, we've been doing basic needs prior to it coming to the state, prior to any money, prior to anything.
Because our students were hungry.
Our student government at the time started, it was called Hearts and Hands.
What I perceive as all their basic needs with dignity done, and it's because of not only the allocation of space, but the state funding.
Our whole philosophy is service.
Our strategic plan is called ABC SERVES, and it stands for service, equity, resources, vision, education, success.
We know that students can only really learn if barriers are removed.
Some of the most fundamental barriers that our students face is food insecurity and housing insecurity.
This year, the California State University system will receive $26 million.
The University of California system will receive $15 million.
The California community colleges will receive $43 million in state funding for basic needs centers, which operate food pantries.
As of 2023, every public higher education campus in the state has a basic needs center and food pantry.
For CalMatters, I'm Amy Elisabeth Moore.
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SoCal Matters is a local public television program presented by PBS SoCal