The De Anza College Food Pantry provides vital support to currently enrolled students facing food insecurity. Students must present a valid De Anza student ID (physical or digital) and be registered for the current term to access services.
The Food Pantry is located in the Registration & Student Services (RSS) Building, room 127. Students are encouraged to bring their own bags and limit visits to once per week.
The De Anza Food Pantry collaborates with community partners like Second Harvest Food Bank and West Valley Community Services to ensure students have access to nutritious food.
The Food Pantry operates on a weekly schedule, subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on operating hours, follow @deanzabasicneeds on Instagram or email dafoodpantry@deanza.edu with any questions. The campus Food Pantry is closed every Friday.
In addition to the on-campus Food Pantry, students can access supplemental food resources through various programs, including mobile food pantries and CalFresh assistance.
CalFresh, a monthly food assistance program providing an EBT debit card for grocery purchases, is available to eligible students. The card functions like a regular debit card and can be used at participating stores, restaurants, and farmers markets. Students can inquire about eligibility, application assistance, or benefit extensions by emailing dafoodpantry@deanza.edu.
De Anza also offers grocery store gift cards to eligible students enrolled in 12 or more units. The application process opens weekly on Mondays, and distribution dates are subject to change based on funding and availability. Students must maintain eligibility requirements and submit receipts for previous card usage to request new cards. Detailed guidelines and FAQs are available online.
The Park-It Market, a mobile food pantry operated by West Valley Community Services, visits Parking Lot A on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 1:45-3:00 p.m. Students need to present their student ID to receive fresh produce, meat, dairy, and pantry staples.
Every Thursday from 2-3 p.m., Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen, in partnership with A La Carte, distributes groceries in Parking Lot A. Students are encouraged to bring their own bags for carrying selected items.
Food insecurity significantly impacts college students, with a recent survey revealing that nearly 40% of De Anza students experience this challenge. The De Anza Food Pantry plays a crucial role in addressing this issue, serving hundreds of students annually. Donations to support the Food Pantry can be made through the Foothill-De Anza Foundation’s website.
Students can also find additional food assistance resources throughout Santa Clara County by contacting Second Harvest Food Bank directly via phone, text, or email to locate nearby food distribution centers and delivery programs. A comprehensive list of basic needs resources is available on the De Anza College website.
