You don't have to go hungry. Use these local and state food resources to get what you need today.
Food Bank Lockers
Diablo Valley College has collaborated with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to provide easy access to grocery items. These items are available 24/7 from refrigerated food lockers located outside the bookstore at the Pleasant Hill Campus and outside the Learning Commons at the San Ramon Campus.
Steps to Apply:
- Register for at least one class at DVC.
- Fill out and submit the Food Program Application.
- Once approved, get your Order Ahead invitation from DVC Basic Needs to create an account!
For assistance accessing the Food Bank Lockers contact:
- PH campus: Basic Needs and Wellness at basicneeds@dvc.edu or Student Services
- SR campus: Basic Needs at 925-551-6214 (call or text) or srcinfo@dvc.edu
Pleasant Hill Campus Food Pantry
Many DVC students struggle with money and food. DVC's food pantry at the Pleasant Hill campus provides free food twice a week without proof of need.
Free Produce Market at Pleasant Hill Campus
These free produce events are held in front of the Student Union Building twice per semester fall and spring providing a variety of vegetables and fruits promoting healthy eating.
External Resources
The resources and organizations listed on this page are provided by entities that operate independently from Diablo Valley College. Diablo Valley College does not assume responsibility for the ongoing accuracy, availability or services provided by these external entities. Students are encouraged to verify information and make decisions based on their individual needs.
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Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
4010 Nelson Ave, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 855-309-3663Alameda County Community Food Bank
7900 Edgewater Drive, Oakland, CA 94621
Phone: 510-635-3663
Emergency Food Helpline: 1-800-870-FoodIn Contra Costa County, you can apply for CalFresh in several ways. Learn how to apply.
Expedited Services: If you are without money for food, you may qualify for emergency CalFresh benefits. Expedited Services will provide eligible households with CalFresh benefits by the third calendar day following their application date. A weekend (Saturday and Sunday) is considered one calendar day. For questions and assistance, please call the 24-hour toll-free information line: 866-663-3225.
Contra Costa County Certified Farmers' Markets:
Certified Farmers' Markets (CFMs) were created by "direct marketing" legislation to support California farmers. This allows producers to sell what they grow directly to the public. Unlike other states, to sell at a Certified Farmers' Market in California, the products must be grown by the producer selling them. Direct marketing helps farms of all sizes by giving them an additional way to sell their produce directly from farm to table.
Get information on the locations and hours of Contra Costa County's Certified Farmers' Markets.
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- Loaves and Fishes - Serving at four locations throughout Contra Costa County - Oakley, Antioch, Pittsburg, Martinez and Walnut Creek. They are serving a hot "to-go" meal and a bag of groceries. The groceries vary depending on our donations.
- AuntBertha - Search for free or reduced-cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.
- Also, students can always call 211 to get referrals to other nearby pantries as well as other services.
- USDA - Food Safety Education and Fact Sheets with information about food product dating.
- USDA's Nutrition Assistance Program: Eat Right When Money's Tight (PDF)
- Holiday food distribution locations
- WIC offers healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals for eligible pregnant or postpartum women and children under 5—valued at $60–$100/month.
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In Contra Costa County, around twenty-six percent of adults and children face food insecurities and regularly need extra food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines "food insecurity" as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
According to the 2023 HOPE Center Basic Needs Survey, 36% of Diablo Valley College students experienced limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe food. Food insecurities impact students' ability to concentrate and focus on their academic studies. Students also find it challenging to balance proper nutrition with paying college tuition.