12 Nov Finals, Food and Holiday Cheer: ASI’s Pop-Up Pantry Offers Free Groceries to Titans
Popping up on campus to bring delicious food straight to Cal State students, Associated Students Inc. will host two Pop-Up Food Pantry events on Nov. 13, 3-5 p.m. and Nov. 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the CSUF Central 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.
A member from CHOMP makes esquites at the Pop-Up Pantry, showcasing meals made using Pantry Ingredients. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
In addition, the ASI Food Pantry has temporarily expanded its weekday hours to meet increased need during the federal shutdown, affecting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Opening at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, The Pantry will add 144 more appointments each week until SNAP benefits are reinstated.
“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 their first time and by eliminating that barrier, it really helps them to build those skills.”
Pop-Up Pantries are free and accessible to all CSUF students who check in. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
This year’s Pop-Up Pantry events have been fully funded by a generous donation of $40,000 from Kaiser Permanente, used to purchase more culturally diverse food items.
CSUF Basic Needs Services will also be tabling at the event to promote their services while bringing awareness about Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, which takes place from Nov. 16-22.
A group of students visits Basic Needs Services resource tables at Pop-Up Pantry events. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
“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 TSU Programs and the Food Pantry. “Our hope is to capture those that are just walking by and really just inform, educate, and provide our 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.