Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert campus received a $25,000 grant aimed to improve food access for students experiencing food insecurity, officials announced Friday.
The Impact Grant awarded by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation will expand services at the campuses’ DEN food pantry, including increasing availability of grocery items and adding a refrigerator near the Rancho Mirage Student Center.
“Food insecurity can directly affect a student’s academic performance, physical health and mental well-being,” Edna Martinez, associate vice president of CSUSB Palm Desert campus, said in a statement. “This grant from the Berger Foundation allows us to improve and expand existing resource for our students while they are attending classes at the Palm Desert campus.”
The success of the program will be measured through distribution data, restocking trends and student feedback, officials said.
The grant program is a partnership between News Channel 3 and the Berger Foundation who recognize local nonprofits for their work to improve the lives of Coachella Valley residents.
“We appreciate that leaders at the Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert campus were thoughtful in finding ways to expand a program that addresses students’ needs,” said Catharine Reed, vice president of charitable programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation.