Food Pantry For Diablo Valley College Students

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Students of Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill or San Ramon who are food insecure may pick up canned and other packaged food from the college's Pleasant Hill campus. The food pantry is open from 10:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 10-2 p.m. on Fridays. It is located in the student union, room 101.

In addition to the pantry items, students are offered fresh "meals to go" at 1 p.m. on Thursdays and 10-2 p.m. on Fridays. The meals are prepared by the college's culinary program.

"We know that a number of DVC students face serious financial challenges and are food insecure," the college says on its website. "Research indicates that students without proper nutrition can have trouble focusing on school work. They may also worry about where they will find their next meal."

You must be currently enrolled at the college to use the food pantry services. First time pantry users need to fill out an Online Intake Application Form that will be used for funding and research purposes. Pantry staff will give you an orientation.

"This service was made possible by the California Chancellor's Office Hunger Free allocation, DVC Foundation donations from faculty, staff and community members, DVC Retirees Association Board, and grants from Kaiser Permanente, Whole Foods 365, Safeway, and the John Muir Community Health Fund," the college reports.

In addition to the food pantry, the college is providing $500 Covid-19 Emergency Grants. The money may be used for books, supplies, housing, food, transportation, technology needs, health care, child care and other costs. Funds are limited, so apply now.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.