Food Security Resources

College should challenge your mind, not your ability to eat

Explore Our Resources

Select a resource below to learn more about the food assistance programs available to CSUB students.

⇒ The Nest Food Pantry

⇒ Monthly Food Distribution

⇒ CalFresh Application Assistance

 

Welcome to "The Nest"

The Food Pantry at California State University, Bakersfield was officially opened on September 19, 2017. Its establishment stemmed from a 2013 survey revealing that 40% of CSUB students experienced food insecurity. The Pantry is a vital resource dedicated to alleviating food insecurity among students. It provides free, nutritious food to students facing financial hardship, ensuring they have access to essential meals that support their academic success. By offering this assistance, the pantry helps bridge the gap for students who might otherwise struggle to afford adequate nutrition, allowing them to focus on their studies without the added stress of food insecurity. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a supportive campus environment where all students can thrive academically and personally.

Our Footprint

25,000+annual pantry visits
250+monthly food boxes distributed
1,100+community members served monthly
The Nest Shopping Guidelines: Each week, you may grab up to 10 items total. Up to 3 of your 10 items may be hygiene products.The Nest is available to current CSUB students, staff, and faculty once per week. We encourage you to select all 10 items during your visit. To help serve everyone efficiently, please be mindful of your shopping time, especially when other Runners' are in line.
The Nest Shopping Guidelines: Each week, you may grab up to 10 items total. Up to 3 of your 10 items may be hygiene products. The Nest is available to current CSUB students, staff, and faculty once per week. We encourage you to select all 10 items during your visit. To help serve everyone efficiently, please be mindful of your shopping time, especially when other Runners are in line. 

Notice: The Nest no longer provides shopping bags. Please remember to bring your own reusable bag. 

Thank you for helping us keep The Nest accessible and welcoming for everyone!
Students shopping at The Nest
Shelf stocked with food inside The Nest
Students Shopping at The Nest
Hygiene Corner stocked with various hygiene products at The Nest
Students shopping at The Nest
Baby shelf at The Nest
Students waiting in line at The Nest
Shelves stocked with cereal at The Nest

The Nest Operating Hours

Day Hours
Monday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday Closed

 

Monthly Food Distribution - Every 3rd Monday of the Month

Community Food Distribution 2026 Schedule: June 15th, June 20th, August 17th, September 21st, October 19th, November 16th, December 21st
Community Food Distribution 2026 Schedule: June 15th, June 20th, August 17th, September 21st, October 19th, November 16th, December 21st

Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm (while supplies last)

Where: UPD will start the line at 10:30am on Kroll Way next to the K2 Parking Lot. One box per vehicle will be given. You may also walk up to the distribution and ask for a box to take.

Cal-Fresh Application Assistance

CalFresh is California’s food assistance program that helps individuals and families, including college students, afford nutritious groceries each month. It's designed for those who meet certain income and eligibility requirements, and many students may qualify without realizing it. On average, eligible college students may receive approximately $160 per month in CalFresh benefits to help cover grocery expenses. Promoting CalFresh among college students can help reduce food insecurity and improve our students' overall well-being and academic success.

Before scheduling an appointment, please review the CalFresh pre-screening questionnaire to better understand the eligibility requirements. 

View Pre-Screening Questionnaire (English)

View Pre-Screening Questionnaire (Spanish)
College students may have additional eligibility requirements. Please review the student eligibility section of the questionnaire carefully.

Student Eligibility Rule
College students who are enrolled at least half-time and between the ages of 18 and 49 must generally meet at least one of the following requirements to qualify for CalFresh.
  • Employment: Working and earning pay for an average of at least 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month. 
  • Work-Study: Approved, awarded, or accepted for federal or state work-study, anticipating work, and not having refused a work assignment. Students may still qualify even if their work-study position has not started or is unavailable.
  • Cal Grant A or B: Receiving a TANF-funded Cal Grant A or B and having received a letter from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) indicating potential CalFresh eligibility. 
  • Approved Educational or Employment Programs: Enrolled in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or a Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIE). As of June 1, 2026, associate and bachelor's degree programs at California Community Colleges, CSU, and UC are listed as approved LPIEs, including associate degrees for transfer and undeclared students. Other programs may also qualify. View approved LPIEs
  • Parental Responsibilities: Responsible for a dependent household member under age 6, a child ages 6-12 without adequate childcare (as determined by the county), or a single parent responsible for a dependent child under age 12. 
  • Qualifying Assistance or Training Programs: Participating in the CalFresh Employment and Training Program (CFET), Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS), or receiving CalWORKs or Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). 

Other Things to Consider
  • Financial Aid: As of March 1, 2026, most educational financial aid does not count as income. 
  • Immigration Status: International, DACA, and DREAM students will not be eligible, even with a work VISA/Social Security Number
  • Out-of-State Students: Students from other states may still qualify if they currently live in California. 
After reviewing the questionnaire, students can explore application resources or schedule an appointment for assistance.

Request CalFresh Application Assistance

Cal-Fresh Application

Cal-Fresh Application Website