Campus programs target food insecurity

University initiatives and events offer students in need free food and other resources

With Thanksgiving on the way, many Americans are preparing for their most elaborate meal of the year. Unfortunately, many others are in no position to feast, and just staying one step ahead of hunger is a challenge. That’s why San Francisco State wants to remind the University community of the many resources — including those offered by Basic Needs Initiatives, Associated Students (AS) and other programs and organizations — available for students who may be short on food.

Emergency Meal Card Program

In partnership with Sodexo, the  emergency meal card program provides students experiencing a food security crisis with free meals at the City Eats dining hall on campus. Meals are donated by Sodexo and the Basic Needs Initiative through Food+Shelter+Success.

CalFresh Help Clinic

Students can apply to the CalFresh program, which provides money each month for buying groceries. Those interested can meet with a CalFresh health assistant to learn more about the program and how to get started. They can book an appointment to find out more information and apply. CalFresh health assistants can help gather documents, discuss student exemptions, walk students through the application process and help with any post-application questions.

AS Gator Groceries & Farmers Market

In partnership with the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Associated Students Gator Groceries provides students access to a box of free food every week. Reservations open up on Tuesdays. Distribution happens every Wednesday and Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. with a reservation, or students can do walk-ins on Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. For details about operating hours and locations, visit the Gator Groceries website. The best place to stay up to date with Gator Groceries and what food is being offered for the week is via the AS Farmers Market & Gator Groceries Instagram page.

Cooking Classes

Health Promotion & Wellness (HPW) hosts hands-on cooking classes that provide students with the skills to make quick, healthy and budget-friendly meals and snacks. HPW also hosts cooking demonstrations that teach students how to prepare simple recipes using items from the weekly Gator Groceries boxes. Stay up to date on when these are happening through HPW’s events and workshops page or through the HPW Instagram page. You can also check out HPW’s nutrition page for fun recipes, video cooking demonstrations and much more!

Equity & Community Inclusion and Food Access

Through the Basic Needs Initiatives, the Division of Equity & Community Inclusion student identity spaces below are now stocked with snacks and treats so that students can hold intercultural/intergroup dialogue while sharing foods that are meaningful and relevant to their cultures.

• Asian American & Pacific Islander Student Services, Village C, Room 141 (full kitchen available)
• Black Unity Center, Village C, Room 142 (full kitchen available)
• Dream Resource Center, Student Services Building, Room 206
• Office of Diversity & Student Equity and Interfaith Programs, Student Services Building, Room 206
• Latinx Student Center, Village C, Room 140 (full kitchen available)

You can help, too. Through Wednesday, Nov. 23, the University will be collecting canned goods, non-perishables and hygiene items to support the Gator Groceries program. Donation boxes are available on the first floor of the Administration Building and the first floor of the Student Services Building. The list of goods Gator Groceries hopes to receive can be viewed online. Questions? Contact basicneeds@sfsu.edu.