UC Santa Barbara SNAC Aims to Combat Food Insecurity

When you are hungry, everything seems more difficult. It is harder to accomplish tasks, to stay focused, and to learn.

Many departments and organizations on the UC Santa Barbara campus work to combat food insecurity, with the Food Security and Basic Needs Advising Center (SNAC) remaining a one-stop shop for students looking for information, access to resources, and assistance with the CalFresh application process. Historically known as food stamps, CalFresh is SNAC’s biggest focus. This federal nutrition assistance program provides funds for groceries while also encouraging individuals to eat healthy, to get together, and to prepare meals at home. “No matter what the scenario, we do our best to assist students with every aspect of CalFresh,” said Communications Coordinator Daisy Basulto-Hernandez. “From our efforts, we are seeing an impact on campus, and in our community.”

What started out as a grassroots effort, has blossomed into a multi-resource center where students can see if they qualify for CalFresh, and obtain information on additional food resources. Those who qualify can receive anywhere from $23 to $281 a month to be put toward food. To stretch their CalFresh dollars even further, students are encouraged to visit the Associate Students Foodbank (which they can do once a day, Monday through Friday), to pick-up items such as rice, canned food, beans, and vegetables. They can also visit any of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County food distribution sites for additional food items. And, by connecting with the Associate Students Foodbank, students can provide feedback and make requests for items that might be harder to find in stores. “With many students living in dorms or apartments for the first time, they may be missing certain foods from home,” said Daisy. “Culturally relevant foods provide a level of comfort and happiness for students as they adjust to campus life.”

Investing in the diverse student population is imperative, with student success often dependent on support and wrap around services. The university offers a vast array of options so that students feel they have the resources they need to fully commit to the educational experience. Part of this experience includes being food secure. To reach this shared goal, SNAC partners with other departments on campus including rapid rehousing, mental health, and food and nutrition assistance as well as the Food Security and Basic Needs Task Force and Associated Students Basic Needs Committee. Additional outreach includes making representatives available during summer orientation and also working with Financial Aid to identify eligible students. “Through our work, we have learned that talking to students about CalFresh before the start of the school year is really important,” said Daisy. “By qualifying for CalFresh, and getting everything set up in advance, the student comes into their first year more prepared to achieve success.”

SNAC has an incredible team in place to help inform students and to assist with processes. Basic needs advocates are peer mentors who are well-versed with the CalFresh program. They prescreen students to see if they meet the requirements, and if they do not, then they talk with them about identifying alternate food, housing, and financial resources so that no one walks away empty handed. Communications interns focus on outreach by doing presentations to students, staff, student organizations, and community groups. Feedback received is then used to develop new programs – everything from housewarming kits for students moving into their first apartments or kitchen kits for students who may lack access to a kitchen. “We see a variety of individuals applying to be SNAC interns,” said Daisy. “Some students want to work at the center because they want to get into social work, making the experience relevant for their future. But mostly we see students from a variety of majors wanting to be interns because they had great experiences here receiving help when they needed it – and now they want to give back.”

Through their work and grants contract, the basic needs advocates are able to submit at least 20 percent of their client applications for members of the community. Open communication is key between the center and the organizations it assists. SNAC works with the Isla Vista Community Center and the Affordable Connectivity Program to sign up individuals for the program and CalFresh benefits. They also provide food resources and CalFresh information while tabling at local community events such as food fairs. There is also hope to expand the work done in partnership with the Housing Authority, assisting with providing resources to seniors, families, and homeless individuals. “We have a really good track record in assisting students,” said Daisy. “Last September alone, we helped more than 1,200 students apply for CalFresh. Because we are always busy helping people, and Isla Vista is so close, it just makes sense that we would continue our work by reaching out to the community.”

At UC Santa Barbara, a culture of giving is woven into the fabric of the university with many individuals, departments, and groups on campus working to make the community a better place. Providing CalFresh program assistance and food resources to students and community members is an example of how powerful bonds are created in the continued vibrancy of our society. “I have seen the power of this program to do good,” said Daisy. “When it comes to food insecurity, every situation is different. I have been working with CalFresh for more than three years and during that time I have seen the difference this program makes for students and members of our community. Even offering short-term solutions is gratifying because at the end of the day we are providing a service that allows an individual to eat.”

UC Santa Barbara – Connecting to Community

Beginning in Winter Quarter, and in partnership with the Financial Crisis Response Team, SNAC will be launching a meal voucher program. Vouchers will be provided to departments as well as staff and faculty on campus. The meal vouchers can then be given to students who have indicated a need or who might be experiencing food insecurity. With the voucher in hand (or three to five vouchers to help get them through the week), the student can receive a hot, prepared meal at the Dining Commons. To learn more about the meal voucher program, to request vouchers, or to make a referral, please contact Daisy Basulto-Hernandez at (805) 893-3005 or daisybasulto-hernand@ucsb.edu