To address historically high costs of food and combat food insecurity, the Associated Students Inc. Food Pantry at Cal State Fullerton provides students with fresh produce and essential food items, so that they can focus on achieving their goals and reaching their full potential.
Established in 2018 as a mobile food pantry, the resource has grown into a permanent space in the Titan Student Union where students can shop in a confidential environment for such items as eggs, milk, bread, snacks, ready-to-eat frozen foods, fruits, vegetables and soups. In 2024, approximately 3,200 students visited the pantry.
In recognition of the resource’s impact and the university’s dedication to combating food insecurity among college students, Kaiser Permanente made a $75,000 gift to the pantry that will be used to purchase refrigerated lockers as well as culturally and dietary-specific foods.
“The gift to the ASI Food Pantry represents a significant step in supporting students’ well-being and academic success,” said Talia Rodriguez, coordinator of the ASI Food Pantry. “This donation helps to expand The Pantry’s capacity, improve access to nutritious food and enhance services.”
The refrigerated lockers, which will be installed in December, will provide students with space to store their items after they’ve been selected. Aaron Tapper, assistant director of strategic initiatives, said that this resource will be helpful for students who spend all day on campus and need a place to store their groceries before they go home.
In addition, the gift will allow the pantry to expand its offerings to meet the nutritional needs of more students and ensure that they feel represented and supported, regardless of their dietary preferences, restrictions or cultural backgrounds.
Rodriguez explained that the funds will be used to increase the pantry’s vegan and vegetarian options, including such foods as hummus, veggie burgers, dairy-free cheese and granola bars. It will also support the addition of Asian, Latin American and Indian cuisine, including rice noodles, miso soup, corn tortillas, spices, roti flour, lentils and more.
“It is an honor for Kaiser Permanente to support Cal State Fullerton’s food pantry,” said Payman Rashan, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente Orange County. “Addressing food insecurity among students is a critical issue, and we’re proud to play a role in ensuring the university can provide fresh, healthy food options to those in need. Investing in the well-being of students is an investment in the future of our community.”
The ASI Food Pantry, located in Room 129, also partners with local and campus organizations that provide additional food and produce to stock the space. These partnerships include Second Harvest Food Bank, the CSUF Campus Garden and the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton. In addition to providing nutritional support, the pantry collaborates with Basic Needs Services to ensure that students have access to other necessities, including professional attire, hygiene products and financial literacy training.
“By ensuring that students have access to food, the pantry helps improve retention rates and supports students in achieving their academic goals in a timely manner,” said Rodriguez. “The food items students receive from the pantry allow them to focus on their academics instead of wondering where their next meal is coming from. This helps improve their concentration, energy levels and cognitive function.”