You don't have to go hungry. Use these local and state food resources to get what you need today.
San Ramon Campus Food Program
Students currently enrolled at the San Ramon campus may apply for SRC's Food Program.
This is a confidential program to support the nutritional needs of students who are experiencing financial challenges.
Qualifications:
- Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act
- Application for the current academic year which demonstrates financial need
- Remain enrolled in at least 3 units of in-person classes at SRC
- Applicants must not be concurrently enrolled in high school (e.g. College Connect Students)
- Students who meet the qualifications may email Kelsey Mayeda (kmayeda@dvc.edu) to request an application.
Free Produce Market at Pleasant Hill Campus
These free produce events are held in front of the Student Union Building twice per semester fall and spring providing a variety of vegetables and fruits promoting healthy eating.
Fresh Success at Diablo Valley College
The Fresh Success program at Diablo Valley College is run in partnership with Rubicon Programs. It serves students who:
- Are eligible for Cal-Fresh benefits in Contra Costa County
- Are enrolled in at least one eligible course (Career Education, English as a Second Language (ESL), or basic skills)
- Are not enrolled in CalWORKs (you may qualify if you receive child-only benefits)
Fresh Success services include:
- Individual coaching and support
- Textbook and course supplies assistance
- Monthly allowance for remote learning expenses (phone and internet)
For more information, submit this eligibility form and a Fresh Success team member will contact you within two business days.
The resources and organizations listed on this page are provided by entities that operate independently from Diablo Valley College. Diablo Valley College does not assume responsibility for the ongoing accuracy, availability or services provided by these external entities. Students are encouraged to verify information and make decisions based on their individual needs.
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Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
4010 Nelson Ave, Concord, CA 94520
Hours: Open 7:00 a.m. ⋅ Closes 7:00 p.m.
Phone: 925-676-7543Alameda County Community Food Bank
7900 Edgewater Drive, Oakland, CA 94621
Hours: Monday–Friday Open 9:00 a.m. Closes 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 510-335-3663
Emergency Food Helpline: 1-800-870-Food
Hours: Monday–Friday Open 9:00 a.m. Closes 4:00 p.m.In Contra Costa County, you can apply for CalFresh in several ways. Learn how to apply.
Expedited Services: If you are without money for food, you may qualify for emergency CalFresh benefits. Expedited Services will provide eligible households with CalFresh benefits by the third calendar day following their application date. A weekend (Saturday and Sunday) is considered one calendar day. For questions and assistance, please call the 24-hour toll-free information line: 877-505-4630.
Contra Costa County Certified Farmers' Markets:
Certified Farmers' Markets (CFMs) were created by "direct marketing" legislation to support California farmers. This allows producers to sell what they grow directly to the public. Unlike other states, to sell at a Certified Farmers' Market in California, the products must be grown by the producer selling them. Direct marketing helps farms of all sizes by giving them an additional way to sell their produce directly from farm to table.
Get information on the locations and hours of Contra Costa County's Certified Farmers' Markets.
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- Leila by the Bay is open to the public
- Loaves and Fishes hours are 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.; serving at four locations throughout Contra Costa County - Oakley, Antioch, Martinez and Pittsburg. They are serving a hot "to-go" meal and a bag of groceries. The groceries vary pending on our donations.
- AuntBertha - Search for free or reduced-cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.
- Also, students can always call 211 to get referrals to other nearby pantries as well as other services.
- Contra Costa and Solano County Food Bank
- CalFresh - A federal nutrition program helping people with low incomes buy more food and improve their diets.
- USDA - Food Safety Education and Fact Sheets with information about food product dating.
- Contra Costa County Health, Housing and Homeless Services
- Contra Costa County Farmer's Markets
- USDA's Nutrition Assistance Program: Eat Right When Money's Tight (PDF)
- Did you know that DVC has a Community Dental Clinic with reduced rates?
- Affordable 7-day Menu coming soon
- Support our efforts and Donate NOW - DVC Foundation[6.6]
- Holiday food distribution locations
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In Contra Costa County, around twenty-six percent of adults and children face food insecurities and regularly need extra food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines "food insecurity" as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
According to the 2018-2019 HOPE Study (PDF), forty-one percent of Diablo Valley College students have low or very low levels of food security. Food insecurities impact students' ability to concentrate and focus on their academic studies. Students also find it challenging to balance proper nutrition with paying college tuition.