The adage “healthy body healthy mind” carries true in every form. Life happens, from accidents, car payments, doctor visits, bills and so forth. Food, among them, should not be something anyone should have to consider. Unfortunately, that is simply easier said than done. Without proper meals students cannot succeed to their fullest potential. How can anyone?

What should be a joyous time, has become strained for many students all over the United States. According to a 2020 research, an estimated 3.8 million students have reported experiencing food insecurity. (GAO 2020) 

Despite what people assume about the “privilege” that education holds, the stress of being nutritionally fed should not be a “considerable” factor. Food insecurity on campus ranges between 19% to 56%, a range that is four times the national average. (42,43,44,45,46) Not only that, but physical and mental deficiencies are associated with food insecurity, such as stress and anxiety inducing symptoms. Which can increase pre existing health concerns such as chronic diseases; Type 2 diabetes, obesity, etc. (87)

Barriers to Reach Resources

1. Stigma is a major factor that enforces the idea that people should feel ashamed to ask and receive help. Conversations about the importance of these resources and maintaining it’s operation allows us a world that helps encourage similar programs. Everyone needs food, housing, and clothing—we should not feel ashamed to use services that make our lives easier.
2. Lack of knowledge about these resources is another harmful factor that hurts peoples’ chances in receiving help. Often times, resources like these are buried from the most common ways that support the road in education, like financial aid and loans. Many students are usually, “overrepresented by students relying on student loans as their primary source of income.” (61) 
3. Transportation, while not as comparably significant as the previous two, the issue of physical reach to a major program needs as much attention. Considering disabled and elderly people who have no means to reach food banks can significantly help their needs being met. Creating accessible locations, can support the funding and demands it needs for people to support it more than what, often, it is limited to. 

To combat this colleges/universities across the states are providing food pantries and other resources like SNAP that support students in their time of need. Among those is here at our very own school, MSJC, residing in two of our campuses; San Jacinto and Menifee.

Food 4 Thought

Food 4 Thought as it is cleverly named, allows students to come as they please to grab a bag of food, provided for them once a week. Based on individual needs many students can qualify for more bags a week. In response, some students who might feel reluctant to use these, a student worker proudly expressed that, “Eagles landing makes it available to all students regardless of their situation. It’s an available resource … you should take advantage of it—everyone needs snacks. Even giving them to people in your household!” 

It is clear of the importance, this opportunity upholds. So in support of maintaining it’s operation the student workers expressed that a consistent and constant flow of students utilizing these programs is the best way it will remain in use. 

Riverside County – San Jacinto, Menifee & Temecula Food Banks

Can’t make it to campus for any reason? No worries! Most cities within Riverside County provide pantries. Here are just the three cities that MSJC has a campus in, with food banks that helps it’s communities.

San Jacinto 

1. Church of Acts – Bread Basket (2385 S San Jacinto Avenue, San Jacinto, California 92583) Call @ (951) 658-5098
2. San Jacinto United Methodist Church (210 S San Jacinto Ave, San Jacinto, California 92583) Call @ (951) 654-2307
3. Soboba Indian Health Clinic (607 Donna Way, San Jacinto, CA 92583) Call @ (800) 732-8805

Menifee & Surrounding Areas

1. Menifee Valley Community Cupboard & Thrift Shop (26808 Cherry Hills Blvd, Menifee CA 92586) Call @ (951) 301-4414
2. DC Food Pantry (506 W Minthorn Street Lake Elsinore, CA 92530) Call @ (951) 245-7510
3. Community Outreach of Murrieta  (39493 Los Alamos Rd #A) Call @ (951) 677-6347

Temecula

1. Circle of Care  (Crossroads Church 26090 Ynez Rd, Temecula 92591) Call @ (951) 973 3582
2. Western Eagle Foundation  (40940 County Center Dr Temecula, CA 92591) Call @ (951) 695-7206 
3. Good Samaritan Food Pantry (32127 Camino Rabago, Temecula, CA 92592) Call @ (951) 415-5731

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