The ongoing federal government shutdown is impacting several programs nationwide, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh. CalFresh provides monthly food benefits through an EBT card, allowing students and families to purchase groceries at most supermarkets, farmers’ markets, and select online retailers.
Starting November 1, many students and their families will not receive these benefits until federal funding is restored. We have already heard of numerous situations and stories from students at CMC who will be impacted. If you know or hear of students who will go without their benefits this month, CalFresh flyer has a list of local, county, and state resources that students can refer to.
In addition, to assist students during this time, we will be increasing services in our Basic Needs Center with the following activities:
Warm Up Winter Drive:
For the month of November, we will be holding a Warm Up Winter Drive where we will be collecting winter clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, canned foods, and toys.
If you would like to donate, please bring your donations to the Basic Needs Center located next to the Library during the month of November.
Distribution for the collected goods and toys will be at our December Market Days.
Market Days:
In collaboration with FIND Food Bank, we have added additional Market Days to give out fresh grocery items, meats, and household products to students.
The Market Days in November and December will be focused on holiday foods and goods.
Our remaining Market Dayswill be on November 18th, December 10th, and December 16th.
As always, we have the following services available to students year-round:
Grab & Go Food Bags in the Basic Needs Center: Monday – Friday, 9 am-4 pm.
KC Special at Jorge’s Cafe: Hot soup daily, oatmeal on Wednesdays, and pancakes on Thursdays, 7-11 am only.
