I Want to Learn More About:
CalFresh
CalFresh is a federally funded nutritional assistance program that provides eligible participants with up to $281 each month to spend on groceries. CalFresh makes healthy eating more accessible, allowing students to stretch their food budgets and create more nutritious diets. Click here to learn more about Calfresh eligibility and application procedures.
Basic Needs Peer Advisors & Calfresh Advocates
These peer mentors are well-versed with the CalFresh program and are available to walk you through the application process. If you're not eligible for CalFresh, you're still urged to meet with an Advocate as they can help identify alternate food, housing, and financial resources. Click here to learn how to connect with an Advocate.
Food Pantries
Students have several options – both on campus and within the community – to access staple items, fresh produce, and other necessities for a healthy, nutritious diet. Between the A.S. Food Bank, Miramar Pantry, and other locations spread throughout Isla Vista and Santa Barbara, students can locate a food pantry that best fits their needs and schedule. Find locations and hours here.
Groceries
Finding groceries that are affordable and easily accessible can be hard to do when you're on a college budget. Luckily, places such as the Isla Vista Food Co-op offer high quality, affordable selections. Other resources, like the Grocery Rideshare Facebook Page and the Fresh EBT App, can ease the process of getting inexpensive ingredients for healthy cooking. Read more about the Isla Vista Food Co-op here.
Prepared Meals
As a college student, you may not always have the time nor resources to prepare meals for yourself. To address this, utilize any of the several places within the local community that offer free meals to students. Alternatively, consider Residential Dining Services as an option for consistent access to prepared food. Find your options here.
Cooking & Nutrition
It's never too late to learn about food preparation, nutrition, grocery shopping, or budgeting. As college students, these basics serve as the foundation for securing a healthy, balanced diet. Through programs like Food, Nutrition, and Basic Skills (FNBS), students can gain such knowledge through hands-on workshops and demonstrations. Find out when the next event is here.
For delicious, easy, and affordable recipes, click HERE.
Gardening
Did you know there are 14 gardens on campus and in the IV area? Now you do! These gardening programs not only build a healthy connection between the grower and their environment, but also help to address food insecurity within our community. There are many ways to get involved, even if you're starting with no gardening experience at all. Find your closest farm here.