Associated Students Inc. will host two Pop-Up Food Pantry events on Nov. 13 from 3-5 p.m. and Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Quad. The events are first-come, first-served for students who check in at the event.
In partnership with CSUF Basic Needs Services, TitanHEALTH and CHOMP, the event will provide students with free produce, pantry staples, snacks and a live cooking demonstration to address food insecurity on campus.
In addition, the ASI Food Pantry has temporarily expanded its weekday hours. The Pantry will open at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and will add 144 more appointments each week.
“We want to destigmatize getting the resources that you need,” said Alyssa Koba, coordinator for The Pantry. “A lot of our students are living on their own for the first time and by eliminating that barrier, it really helps them to build those skills.”
This year’s Pop-Up Pantry events are fully funded by a $40,000 donation from Kaiser Permanente, used to purchase more culturally diverse food items. Kaiser Permanente previously made a $75,000 gift to the pantry that was used to purchase refrigerated lockers as well as culturally and dietary-specific foods.
CSUF Basic Needs Services will also be tabling at the event to promote services while bringing awareness about Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week from Nov. 16-22.
“This is specifically for students who may not necessarily know where we’re located, but know that The Pantry exists, or don’t have the time to really seek out the services,” said Cristina Truong, associate director of Titan Student Union Programs and the Food Pantry. “Our hope is to speak to students who are just walking by, so that we can inform, educate and provide services to them.”
Students interested in attending can expect to participate in reusable tote bag making, obtain food assistance resources and receive free groceries provided by The Pantry.
For more information about booking appointments at ASI’s Food Pantry throughout the week, visit the ASI Food Pantry sign-up.
By Jessica Collins