A 2018 study performed by the CSU found that 27 percent of Cal Poly students struggle with food insecurity and another 12 percent experience homelessness. Working alongside university partners, Campus Dining strives to ensure all Mustangs have easy access to the nutritious meals they need to succeed academically and socially. Campus Dining has a number of programs including a partnership with the Cal Poly Food Pantry, Mustang Meal Share and Feed Cal Poly, that help to do just that. Together as one Cal Poly family we can help support all Mustangs and create a more equitable campus environment where no one goes hungry and everyone is set up for success.
Need a little help yourself?
If you are in need of a little help yourself, please don’t hesitate to visit the CP Essentials website at basicneeds.calpoly.edu/food-resources and inquire about all of these programs by contacting the Dean of Students office via email deanofstudents@calpoly.edu or phone (805) 756-2472.
Mustang Meal Share
The Mustang Meal Share program creates an avenue for students to donate money from their dining plan to fellow students. As part of the university’s Basic Needs Initiative, Mustang Meal Share allows students to donate up to $195, enough for 30 meals, anytime throughout the year.
Donate Here
Feed Cal Poly
Feed Cal Poly allows all students, faculty, staff and supporters to donate to the Cal Poly Basic Needs Initiative at and further assist mustangs in need. Anyone can make a donation by clicking the link below and following the simple steps. After donating, you will receive a receipt for tax purposes.
Donate Here
Food Pantry Partnership
Campus Dining works regularly with the Cal Poly Food Pantry on donations and has added heat-and-eat meals to the menu. Available at the food pantry these meals add convenience for students with limited time to prepare meals between studies.
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CalFresh/EBT at Campus markets
Market Grand Ave and Campus Market accept CalFresh payment on approved items. CalFresh, known federally as SNAP is a federal program that provides an EBT card and ancillary funds to purchase nutritious foods. CalFresh cards are accepted at all POS registers at Campus markets.
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