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: 925-969-2526 or basicneeds@dvc.edu
- SR campus: Basic Needs: 925-551-6214 or basicneeds@dvc.edu (Please put “San Ramon Lockers” in the subject line)
Food Pantry
No student should have to learn on an empty stomach. Access to food is a human right. DVC’s Food Pantry and Basic Needs Nook provide free groceries and ready-to-eat meals to help you stay nourished and succeed in school.
Pleasant Hill
Student Union (SU), Room 101
- Fall and spring semesters: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Summer semester and intersessions: Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. when campus is open
DVC's Food Pantry provides free groceries once a week for currently enrolled students. If you're a new student, complete the intake form first.
Please bring your reusable grocery bag! Can’t make it when we’re open? You can pick up a pre-packed bag of groceries any time during the Student Union business hours at the front desk.
San Ramon
- Enrolled students at the San Ramon campus can pick up ready-to-eat meals, hygiene items, and limited school supplies at the Basic Needs Nook (W125) or the Administration Building information desk. Please complete the Food Program application when visiting the Nook.
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Since its inception, the DVC Food Pantry has served as a free supplemental food resource for all students who may need it. The student leadership of ASDVC originally created the pantry in March 2018 and became fully supported by the college’s new Basic Needs program in 2021.
This service was made possible by the California Chancellor's Office Hunger Free allocation, DVC Foundation donations from faculty, staff and community members, DVC Retirees Association Board, and grants from Kaiser Permanente, Whole Foods 365, Safeway, and the John Muir Community Health Fund. It continues in partnership with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano and the DVC Foundation office.
Free Produce Market
These free produce events are held at the Pleasant Hill campus in front of the Student Union building twice per semester, fall and spring, providing a variety of vegetables and fruits promoting healthy eating. Check the DVC events calendar for upcoming dates!
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-FoodContra 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, in California, to sell at a Certified Farmers' Market, the products must be grown by the producer selling them. Direct marketing helps farms of all sizes by providing an additional way to sell their produce from farm to table.
Get information on the locations and hours of Contra Costa County's Certified Farmers' Markets.
Offers hot "to-go" meals and a bag of groceries at locations in Oakley, Antioch, Pittsburg, Martinez and Walnut Creek. Grocery items vary based on donations.
Search for free or reduced-cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.
Get referrals to nearby pantries and other services.
Food assistance programs:
In Contra Costa County, you can apply for CalFresh through BenefitsCal, which also lets you apply for food, cash aid, and health coverage.
Expedited Services: If you don’t have money for food, you may qualify for emergency CalFresh benefits, available within three calendar days of applying (weekends count as one day). For help, call 24/7: 866-663-3225.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
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.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEAFP)
TEAFP: A USDA program that provides free food boxes to eligible households. Items may include fruits and vegetables, proteins, grains, and dairy products.
USDA Food and Nutrition Service Programs
Learn about programs such as WIC, Senior Farmer’s Markets, NAP, SNAP and more.
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In Contra Costa County, about 26% of adults and children experience food insecurity 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 2018-2019 HOPE Study (PDF), 41% of Diablo Valley College students experienced low or very low levels of food security. 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. In response to this need, the DVC Food Pantry opened its doors in March 2018 to provide a supplemental food resource for students.
Since then, the food resources at DVC have expanded to include the Food Bank Lockers, free produce days and more. More recently, the 2023 HOPE Center Basic Needs Survey found that food insecurity among DVC students had dropped to 36%. We still see a need, and we want every DVC student to know support is available. Please take advantage of the resources here for you.