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Food Assistance

OtterCare offers an extensive range of Food Assistance support, tailored to your needs!

Basic Needs - BDA

Understanding Food Security 

In California, a state that consistently has one of the highest costs of living, students are seeking resources just to maintain their basic needs so they can remain in school. The CSU has recognized these concerns and demonstrated leadership in addressing them. The Chancellor's Office has directed resources towards the Basic Needs Initiative. This innovative set of programs exists to support and involve all of the 22 campuses in research, resource cultivation, capacity building, education and outreach, networking, and ultimately student success.

The Basic Needs Initiative quickly grew here at CSUMB - now known as OtterCare - with our department serving over 60% of the student population. We are working to increase students' food security in a multitude of ways, including an on-campus food pantry - The Hub, CalFresh Outreach, an extensive Edible Food Recovery program, partnership with the Food Bank for Monterey County, and Care Coordination. At CSUMB, No Otter Goes Hungry! 

Our team of Care Coordinators, MSW Interns, and Hub Coordinators utilize the USDA Food Security scale to determine the immediate needs of our students. Students who are needing support can make a 1:1 appointment with our Food Security Interns to determine their level of food security and receive intentional and directed support. 

Food Security Range* Indicators
High Food Security
  • Student can consistently afford and access balanced meals, snacks, and basic necessities
  • Does not worry about running out of ofood
Moderate Food Security
  • Student Sometimes worries about running out of food
  • Might occasionally rely on cheap, less nutritious meals
Low Food Security
  • Student regularly skips meals due to lack of money for food
  • Depends on free food from campus pantry or friends
Very Low Food Security
  • Student has run out of money for food entirely
  • Has skipped entire days of eating or had only one small meal

*as determined by the USDA

The Hub is your on campus food pantry and thrift corner (see more below). Available to all students registered in at least one unit. 

  • Location: Redwood Hall, Bldg 12, Room 152 
  • Hours: Spring 2026 
    • Mondays 2 - 6p.m.
    • Tuesdays 12 - 8p.m.
    • Wednesdays 12 - 6p.m.
    • Thursdays 12 - 6p.m.
    • Fridays 12 - 4p.m.

The Hub offers a wide variety of pantry staples, canned goods, fresh prepared items, produce, dairy, bread and bakery, and more! The Hub is organized by Zones, differentiated by color. Students can visit the Hub every day we are open, and can check in each day to review zone limits. 

 

 

OtterCare is proud to offer support beyond the Hub with a Hub Membership! A Hub Membership can provide:

  • Additional Food Support
  • A weekly personalized grocery box 
  • Meal Vouchers
  • Farmer's Market
  • ...and so much more! 

Fill out the Hub Membership Form Today!

 

Once you have completed the Hub Membership form a Food Security Intern will reach out with support resources or to schedule an appointment! Keep an eye on your CSUMB email for that information. 

What is CalFresh Food?

CalFresh Food is a nutrition assistance program that provides monthly funds for groceries for individuals and families who are eligible.

These funds can help stretch a tight food budget and provide access to healthy food options and allow students to incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, and healthy produce into their diets. 

CalFresh Food benefits are placed on personal Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards that look just like credit or debit cards. These benefits can be used to purchase grocery items at places like Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Costco, and online vendors like Amazon for identified grocery items.

 

CalFresh Appointments

Our BenefitsCal team is available to help you apply for CalFresh, MediCal, CalWORKS, and may other social services. By utilizing the BenefitsCal application, you can apply for all at once! 

Zoom CalFresh Appointments can be made via OtterNavigate. From your dashboard, choose "OtterNavigate". Go to make an appointment and select CalFresh. All available appointments with our BenefitsCal team will be listed there. 

To prepare for your CalFresh appointment: 

  1. Create a BenefitsCal Account
  2. Gather your documents: 
    • Picture of Driver's License 
    • Picture of CSUMB OtterCard
    • Screenshot of Financial Aid package 
    • Paystubs (if applicable) 
    • Screenshot of class schedule
    • Proof of address (piece of mail with their matching address they are using) OR a screenshot MyHousing
    • Proof of regular outgoing income
      • i.e., If you pay rent, phone bill, utilities, etc 
    • If you are a parent/married: proof of identity for dependents/spouse
  3. Join us during your schedule Zoom appointment! 

Gathering documents is the hardest part! We will be with you every step of the way! 

After you submit your application, if you are a Monterey County resident we can also assist with getting your eligibility interview schedule with a county worker!