Cal State Fullerton is hosting a series of events Nov. 18-22 to draw attention to Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The national week highlights basic needs issues and the initiatives designed to address them.
With college students being vulnerable and experiencing food and housing insecurity, CSUF’s Tuffy’s Basic Needs Services Center, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, Pathways of Hope and Associated Students Inc. are partnering to offer programs during the week.
Events are open to the public, and campus students, and faculty and staff members, are encouraged to participate.
“The presence of campus community members can increase awareness and help reduce the stigma that is often associated with seeking basic needs support,” said Carmen Curiel, associate dean of students, care services.
A study by the California State University Chancellor’s Office showed that 41.6% of CSU students reported food insecurity and 10.9% reported experiencing homelessness one or more times in a 12-month period.
A food and housing resource fair will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, on the walkway between Titan Student Union and Pollak Library. An Associated Students Inc. mobile food pantry also will be on hand beginning at noon Thursday, Nov. 21, in front of Titan Student Union. Other events include:
- 11 a.m.-noon, Monday, Nov. 18, “Spend Smart, Eat Smart,” in Titan Student Union’s Hetebrink Room.
- 11 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, Nov. 19, “Understanding Homelessness,” presented by Pathways of Hope, in Titan Student Union’s Ontiveros Room.
- 11 a.m.- noon., Thursday, Nov. 21, “What is Food Insecurity?” presented by Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, in Titan Student Union’s Gilman Room.
For more information, contact Tuffy’s Basic Needs Services Center at 657-278-3583 or email at basicneeds@fullerton.edu. Carmen Curiel can be reached at ccuriel@fullerton.edu.