Initiative aims to support Toros experiencing food insecurity.
By Sebastian Linan, Staff Reporter
Free food is often a sure-fire way to get college students to attend an event on campus. For third-year Africana Studies major Kamen Hartford, these gatherings were more than just a chance to socialize – they were an opportunity to secure his only meal of the day.
“I won’t even attend the event – I’ll just walk in, get some food, then walk out,” recalled Hartford, a first-generation student who lives with his older brother. “It’s a consistently jarring feeling”
Sixty-five percent of new students at CSUDH come from low-income households, according to the 2023 Sustainable Campus Index. Like some of his peers, Hartford often faces the dilemma of choosing between meals and other expenses. He told The Bulletin there have been times when he’s had to rely on friends for food.
“I just have stretches where I couldn’t afford any food on campus,” said Hartford, an Africana Studies major. “I am working, but I have moments where I need to give up most of my money for bills”
Food security is linked to higher college graduation rates. According to the 2022 CSUDH Basic Needs report, the most recent data available, 61 percent of Toros reported food insecurity. Hartford has grappled with food insecurity since the Spring 2024 semester. He said he becomes frustrated and angry whenever he can’t afford to eat, but he’s found support lately at the Black Resource Center (BRC).
Through a partnership with the restaurant Raising Cane’s, the BRC is now offering one-time vouchers for a free combo meal box to students in need. Students need only provide their CSUDH ID. BRC program coordinator Trimaine Davis told The Bulletin that several students visit the space seeking help, especially with regard to food.
“Students just have to come in and let us know that they are facing food insecurity,” Davis said. “I think that alone is a heavy task, to come into a space and say ‘I haven’t had a full meal in two weeks, can you help me?’”
Davis said he looked to Teddy’s Pantry for inspiration when starting the voucher program, because many students might only have enough money for school. Hartford said the vouchers are a great resource for Toros like him.
“Being able to get necessary, free food without having to worry too much about the money that I got on me is real helpful,” Hartford said.
While programs like Teddy’s Pantry or CalFresh are available to supplement students’ needs, they aren’t always accessible. Students may not be approved for a hot meal card or be eligible for an EBT card (formerly known as “food stamps”). Teddy’s Pantry may carry a limited selection or supply, and according to BRC student program assistant Jaquan Hurts, there are few places on campus that accept CalFresh benefits.
“They have a whole designated team to help you get EBT assistance, but then what?” asked Hurts, a second-year psychology and Africana Studies student. “There’s nowhere on campus that you can use that EBT card.”
Davis sees this initiative as the start of a broader effort to support students more holistically. He hopes to expand the voucher program to eventually offer vegan options and provide weekend meals for student residents.
“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the community,” Davis said. “We owe our students a great deal, if we are going to call ourselves a resource center, then we need to make sure we’re providing resources.”