Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus food pantry received a $5,000 grant from BIGHORN Cares to fund monthly produce distribution, and educational workshops and activities, officials said Monday.
The grant will be allocated to the campus’ Delivering Emergency Nutrition (DEN) food pantry, which will distribute the monthly produce in partnership with Feeding America Riverside’s Find Food Bank and provide education workshops and activities through the university’s Department of Health Science and Human Ecology nutrition program, according to a statement from the Palm Desert campus.
“Through their donation, we will be able to accomplish many key goals, continue to grow basic needs services and work toward eliminating food insecurity to meet the needs of our students,” said Basic Needs and Student Support director at CSUSB Terri Anderson in a statement.
The DEN opened in 2019 to provide healthy snacks and quick meals for students facing food insecurity, campus officials said. The food pantry provides fresh produce, food, hygiene items and CalFresh application assistance for enrolled students, though any student, regardless of verified need, can visit the DEN food pantry for free food.
The campus aims to eliminate barriers, promote student success and connect its students with significant campus and community resources, according to campus officials.
“Our mission is to embrace equity and inclusiveness while supporting students who may experience food, financial and housing insecurities, are in need of emotional support, and/or are facing various challenges and adverse circumstances in their lives,” said Anderson in a statement.
BIGHORN Cares grants were developed in 2014 and have since gifted over $4.8 million through over 500 grants and funding projects, according to campus officials. More information about the grants can be found at bighorncares.com