Resources For Students Facing Food Insecurity

The ASI Food Pantry was created in 2015 to support the growing number of students faced with food insecurity, the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. The ASI Food Pantry works alongside the CARES office to  support Sacramento State students in need. 

There are a variety of resources both on and off campus which can assist students in need.

Food Resources

CalFresh 

CalFresh is a nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need. CalFresh is the name of the USDA-funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the state of California. Students can be eligible for up to $192/month, or more depending on household size.

Sacramento Region Food Map by Alchemist CDC

This map shows Sacramento-region food resources including food banks, food pantries, free fridges and pantries, farmers’ markets, and farm stands (including information regarding EBT/CalFresh access). This map was generated with data provided by NorCal Resist, the Sacramento Homeless Union, The Awkward Gardener, and Alchemist CDC.

Nutrition Counseling & Cooking Demos 

Nutrition Counseling is an opportunity for our students to meet with our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who provides nutrition therapy for a variety of nutrition related health issues including weight management, diabetes, heart disease, eating disorders, and other medical diagnosis. 

River City Food Bank

River City Food Bank provides short-term food access for those who meet income guidelines. Eligible clients receive a three-day supply of nutritionally-balanced food up to once a month. 

Sacramento Food Bank Food Distributions

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is committed to connecting neighbors in need with services and providers to address the socioeconomic issues of our community. Current partnerships with over 220 local agencies allow us to distribute food to individuals and families in under-served areas throughout Sacramento County.

Financial Resources

Student Emergency Fund 

The Student Emergency Fund assists students who experience a financial emergency or unanticipated expenses causing short-term financial hardship that requires immediate attention to keep them in college.  This program is designated to assist those who cannot reasonably resolve their financial difficulty through scholarships, loans or other Financial Aid awards. 

Financial Wellness

Sacramento State’s Financial Wellness program offers information on budgeting, paying for college, healthy financial habits, and many other tools to help you stay financially fit throughout college and beyond.

Housing Resources

Student Emergency Housing (CARES + Rent Subsidy Program)

The program provides short term housing assistance to students who are unexpectedly displaced from their homes. Students must meet with the Student Affairs Case Manager for a basic needs assessment, and may qualify for up to 30 days in the residence halls. On a case by case basis, students may also receive a meal plan which provides 2 meals a day in dining commons. 

Francis House Center

The Francis House Center strives to provide the resources, support, and inspiration to help individuals and families transform their lives from living in crisis to having long-term stability. Francis House Center is the front door to Next Move’s programs, services, and housing solutions for individuals and families seeking help and support in ending their homelessness.

Other Resources

ASI Free Legal Aid

A professional lawyer is available every other week for free legal advice. 30min appointments can be scheduled online.

Call 2-1-1

2-1-1 Sacramento, a program of Community Link Capital Region, is a free confidential information and referral service that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained information and referral specialists can refer callers to a variety of service that best meet their needs.