Finding better ways to support our students on their path to graduation.

Critical to student success at the CSU, the Basic Needs Initiative takes a holistic look at students’ well-being both inside and outside the classroom, from housing and food security to mental health. We’re working together to find better ways support our students on their path to graduation.

Lobo's Pantry

Lobo's Pantry is a space on campus that provides nutritious food, CalFresh food program assistance, and referral services for students experiencing food insecurity (those not having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food). The pantry is closed during winter break and summer.

Fall 2019 Lobo Pantry hours

Lobo's Pantry is located in Zinfandel Village across the street from the Student Health Center. Any student enrolled at Sonoma State University is eligible to use the food pantry as often as once a week. The food pantry carries nonperishable items only. Examples include beans, pasta, canned vegetables, dry rice, breakfast bars, coffee and tea, and quick meals. If you have any dietary restrictions, you can contact JUMP Human Services for assistance.

In addition, Pop-Up Pantries offer fresh produce items such as apples, bananas, potatoes, bell peppers, etc., along with a few non-perishable items. For more information about Lobo's Pantry or Pop-Up Pantries, contact JUMP Human Services.

Pop-Up Pantries Fall 2019

• Wed. Sept. 25, Seawolf Plaza, 12:30-2:20pm
• Mon. Oct. 7, in front of Library, 11am-2pm
• Wed. Oct. 23, Parking Lot C sidewalk, 12:30-2:20pm
• Mon. Nov. 4, Seawolf Plaza, 12:30--2:20pm
• Wed. Nov. 6, Salazar Quad, 12:30-2:20pm
• Wed. Nov. 20, Salazar Quad, 12:30-2:20pm
• Mon. Dec. 2, Seawolf Plaza, 12:30-2:20pm

Lobo's Pantry is not open during the summer. Scroll down to see additional food resources.

Pay it Forward

Donate your completed (stamped) loyalty card to the Pay It Forward program and help students experiencing financial and food insecurities. To make a donation of a completed loyalty card, drop it in the donation boxes located at any University Culinary venue. Cards will be distributed to students at Lobo's Food Pantry when they pick up their food supplies. These cards can then be used to purchase smoothies, sandwiches and coffee on campus.

I CAN HELP

I CAN HELP is a Mental Health Literacy, Compassion Development, and Suicide Risk Reduction Program for College and University Campuses. I CAN HELP is designed for students, faculty, staff, and other non-mental health professionals and is sometimes called gatekeeper training. This program can be provided to faculty, staff, or student leaders quickly and has no licensing fees. Contact studentaffairs@sonoma.edu for more information.

CalFresh

CalFresh provides monthly benefits to assist low-income households with purchasing food needed to maintain adequate nutritional levels. As a student you could be receiving up to $192 a month for groceries! 

Additional information can be found at Department of Social Services CalFresh Program or you may contact the SSU CalFresh Outreach office at (707) 664-4282 or calfreshoutreach@sonoma.edu to make an appointment for assistance.

Sonoma State University is a CalFresh Outreach Subcontractor.

SNAP, known in California as CalFresh, is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Community food resources

Housing Resources

"One in ten California State University students say they have been homeless at some point in the past year", according to campus surveys.

Short-term Transitional Housing

Associated Students provides short-term transitional housing for students in need. Inquire at the Student Activities Desk, Student Center 2nd Floor.

Immigration Assistance

CSU Resources for Undocumented Students

Undocumented Student FAQs

SSU Immigration Assistance Resources

SSU Dream Center