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Food drive underway for community college students

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/04 .. ive-underway-for-community-college-students.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 15:56 GMT by Times of San Diego
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Food Drive Underway for Community College Students in San Diego

On October 4, 2025, the Times of San Diego reported that a large-scale food‑drive initiative has begun in San Diego County, targeting the many students enrolled at local community colleges who are struggling with food insecurity. The drive—launched by the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) in partnership with the San Diego Food Bank and a coalition of local businesses—aims to collect and distribute over 50,000 non‑perishable food items, as well as fresh produce, to students in need during the fall semester.

Why the Drive Matters

The article underscores that food insecurity among community‑college students has risen sharply in recent years. According to a 2024 study by the College Student Food Insecurity Initiative (CSFII), roughly one in five students at San Diego’s community colleges reported that they sometimes had to skip meals or choose cheaper, less nutritious options to stay within budget. The COVID‑19 pandemic exacerbated the problem, as many students lost part‑time jobs and faced rising living costs. The SDCCD’s Food Equity Initiative, announced earlier in the year, recognized that the solution required both immediate relief and long‑term systemic change.

How the Drive Works

The drive is being coordinated from the SDCCD’s Student Services Center at San Diego City College (SDCC). Students, staff, and community members are encouraged to donate non‑perishable items—canned goods, pasta, rice, and cereals—as well as fresh produce where possible. Drop‑off points include the student union, the library, and several campus kitchens. The Food Bank’s “Fresh Foods for Future” program will process the donations, sort them into food‑bank‑eligible packages, and deliver them to a network of community‑college kitchens and student centers across the county.

A key feature highlighted in the article is the “Campus Carts” system, where volunteers collect donated items from various sources and deliver them to campus. The SDCC’s student volunteer group, “Food Forward,” will operate the carts on weekends. “We’re proud to help keep our classmates fed while also giving back to the community,” said senior student Maria Hernandez, who coordinates volunteer scheduling.

Community Partners and Funding

The Times article details the significant support from local businesses and civic leaders. A joint press release linked in the story (see “San Diego Food Bank Press Release”) announced that the city’s Department of Public Health, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, and several supermarket chains—including Whole Foods, Safeway, and a local co‑op—have pledged matching funds and in‑kind donations. The city’s “Community Wellness Initiative” will provide an additional $20,000 in grants to the Food Bank to cover distribution costs.

The article also notes that the SDCCD has secured a grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, which earmarks funds for initiatives addressing student wellbeing. “This grant allows us to expand our nutrition outreach and ensures that every student has access to a balanced meal,” explained Dr. James Lee, SDCCD’s Director of Student Services. The grant will also help fund nutrition education workshops on campus, which the Food Bank will co‑host.

Student Voices

One of the most compelling aspects of the Times piece is the inclusion of student perspectives. A 17‑year‑old freshman, Alex Ramirez, shared how the food drive could ease his family’s financial burden. “My dad’s been working nights and I’ve been pulling shifts at a coffee shop to make ends meet,” Ramirez said. “If there’s a way for the college to help us get some groceries or food on campus, it would mean the world.”

The article also interviewed a food‑bank volunteer, Sarah Patel, who highlighted the emotional impact of the drive. “When students come in and say ‘I don’t have enough food to eat,’ it’s a sobering reminder that food is a basic right,” Patel said. “Seeing students walk out of the campus with a bag full of groceries is incredibly rewarding.”

Logistics and Timeline

The Times of San Diego reported that the drive will run from October 4 through November 30, 2025. All donations must be delivered in sealed, clearly labeled containers. The Food Bank will process and redistribute items by early December, with a second round scheduled for early 2026. Students who need assistance can also apply for an “Emergency Food Grant” through the SDCCD’s Student Services portal, a link included in the article (see “SDCCD Emergency Food Grant Application”). The grant provides up to $200 per student per semester for grocery expenses.

Future Outlook

In the concluding section, the article outlines the broader goals of the initiative. “This food drive is not just a one‑off event; it’s a stepping‑stone toward a more resilient student support system,” stated SDCCD President Susan Morales. “We’re partnering with nutritionists to provide workshops on healthy eating on a budget, and we’re exploring a campus pantry that will be open year‑round.”

The Times also linked to a recent study published by the American College Health Association (ACHA) on the correlation between food insecurity and academic performance. The study found that students who are food secure are 30 % more likely to maintain full‑time enrollment and 25 % more likely to graduate on time. This data underscores the urgency of the SDCCD’s initiative.

How to Get Involved

Readers are urged to participate in the drive, whether by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. The article includes a QR code (linked in the online version) that leads to the Food Bank’s donation portal. Additionally, local businesses can join the “Food Drive Champions” program by visiting the SDCCD’s partnership page. Students are also encouraged to share their stories on social media using the hashtag #SDFoodDrive to raise awareness.

The Times of San Diego’s article offers a comprehensive look at a vital community effort that addresses a growing problem affecting community‑college students. By harnessing the power of local institutions, student leaders, and civic partners, the food drive aims to ensure that no student in the San Diego County community goes hungry during a critical academic period.