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Santa Clara University
Basic Needs Program

Resources

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  • Forge Garden Farm Stand: Located at 1051 Sherman St, Santa Clara, offers affordable fresh produce to the SCU community. No one is turned away due to lack of funds. Forge Garden also hosts Nourish Nights. Every other week throughout the quarter, students can enjoy a complimentary plant-based meal crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
  • Second Harvest: Accessing nutritious food shouldn’t be a barrier to your success. Through our Second Harvest partnership, we connect you with local pantries offering free food assistance. Simply click the link below to find nearby resources tailored to meet your needs. Together, we can ensure you have the support necessary to thrive in your educational journey.
  • Nutrition Services: Julie Engberg, RDN, Santa Clara University’s registered dietitian, offers personalized nutrition plans to promote wellness through healthy eating and lifestyle changes. She can assist with dietary choices, managing food allergies, addressing health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, recovering from eating disorders, weight management strategies, transitioning to a vegetarian diet, and optimizing workouts through nutrition. Please note that appointments are not free. To schedule an appointment, call (408) 554-4501 or visit the Cowell Health Portal. 
  • Saint Clare Parish: A welcoming community resource offering various support services, including food assistance. 
  • The Salvation Army: Providing essential services such as food assistance, shelter, and financial support, The Salvation Army is dedicated to helping individuals and families in crisis.
  • Sacred Heart: This organization offers a range of programs, including food distribution, utility assistance, and housing support, aimed at helping individuals achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
  • West Valley Community Services: Operating a mobile food pantry, West Valley Community Services brings nutritious food directly to neighborhoods in need, alleviating hunger and promoting food security in the community. They also provide transportation resources and case management services to support individuals and families.

Q: Do I need documentation or proof of need to access the Bronco Pantry?

A: The bronco food pantry (food insecurity program) does not require any documentation. As long as students say they need support, it is honored.

Q: Will I be charged for using the Bronco Pantry?

A: Students are never charged for using the Bronco Pantry and will never receive a hold on their account for using the pantry. It is a free resource.

Q: How long do I have access to the Bronco Pantry?

A: Students have access to the pantry year-round, including Winter, Spring, and Summer. As long as the student has not graduated from SCU, they have access to the pantry.

Q: How many times can I visit the Bronco Pantry?

A: Students can visit the Bronco Pantry as many times as they need. There's no limit to how often you can access the pantry; however, the pantry is not intended to serve as a student’s sole source of food. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the resources available to help meet their basic needs.

Q: What items are in the Bronco pantry?

A: The Bronco Pantry offers a variety of non-perishable items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and snacks. Additionally, Forge Garden donates fresh produce every Friday, providing fruits and vegetables to help students access healthy, nutritious options. Availability may vary based on donations and supply.

Q: Can the Basic Needs Coordinator/Program support my family?

A: The resources provided by the Basic Needs Coordinator and program are intended to support students. However, students can receive referrals to community resources designed to help both students and their families, such as local food banks, housing assistance programs, and healthcare services.