Support is available through the Office of Student Life's Food Insecurity Program (FIP) for students who are experiencing food insecurity. The program is grounded in trust, thus all requests will be honored without documented legitimacy of need.
Through the program, students have the opportunity to gain access to the Bronco Pantry, donated gift cards to local stores, and are offered individual consultation sessions to gain access to additional community resources. The Bronco Pantry regularly stocks non-perishable food items and fresh produce in partnership with the SCU Forge Garden.
This program is supported 100% through donations with no expectation of re-payment.
Since the start of the Food Insecurity Program in Spring 2018, SCU has served over 250 students and has been an essential resource for many of our students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Food Security vs. Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is the lack of reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable, nutritious food. Our program is designed to provide SCU food-insecure students access to basic needs supplies such as non-perishable food items, fresh produce, and basic hygiene products. We aim to promote the belief that the right to food is both a legal and human right. Through a variety of resources, including our Bronco Pantry, we hope to minimize a student’s stress associated with finding their next meal so that they can focus their energy back on being a student.
Program Qualifications
1. Be a registered Santa Clara University graduate or undergraduate student,
2. Complete the online registration form on the Office of Student Life website, and
3. Speak with an Office of Student Life representative to provide access to funding and discuss resources and support services.
Requests are confidential and will be honored without documented legitimacy of need.
How to Register
Complete the online registration form and a member of the Office of Student Life will contact you or the referred student within one business day to set up a time to speak. The purpose of the meeting is to collect information from the student to determine which resources will be most beneficial and to initiate access to such resources.
How to Donate
- Gift cards (Target or Safeway): E-gift cards can be sent to osl@scu.edu and will be distributed to students directly. Physical gift cards can be dropped off at the Office of Student Life in Benson, room 205. Cards loaded with amounts of $25 and $50 are preferred.
- Cash Donations: Donate directly to our program on the Santa Clara website here.
- Donated items: During the COVID-19 crisis, a donation bin has been placed in the lobby of the Campus Safety Services office. The bin is available 24/7 for donation drop-offs. Most needed items include rice, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, canned vegetables, microwavable meals (vegetarian friendly), granola bars, dishwashing sponges and dish soap, paper towels, and toilet paper. We, unfortunately, cannot accept homemade items.
- Amazon Wish List: Donations can also be made via an Amazon Wish List. Please search "SCU Students: Food Insecurity at SCU" for the public wish list of items or follow this link. Please select "Kim Gilkey, 500 El Camino Real", as the mailing address.
Who to Contact
Questions regarding the Food Insecurity Program and/or Bronco Pantry can be directed to the Office of Student Life at 408-554-4583 or osl@scu.edu.
Additional Resource: The State of California offers a SNAP program called CalFresh. For additional information: www.getcalfresh.org
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