College Tackles Food and Housing Insecurity Among Students

Food insecurity is a reality to today’s students. In fact, close to 13% of community college students experience food insecurity (Urban Institute, August 2017). The College established the Food and Housing Insecurity Taskforce in summer 2017 to address the food and housing insecurity on campus. The Taskforce coordinates the No Students Go Hungry food distribution event with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and provides campus-wide outreach for CalFresh, a nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food (formerly called the Food Stamp Program). CalFresh dollars help stretch a tight food budget and help many people afford to incorporate healthy foods like fruits and vegetables into their diets.

In the long term, the Taskforce aims to provide more resources to students, and establish a permanent facility for the College food pantry. Stay tuned for more activities and updates from the Taskforce. For more information about the Food and Housing Insecurity Taskforce, contact Director of Student Program Services Norma Rodriguez (nrodriguez@cerritos.edu)

 

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