The Mobile Food Pantry is Helping College Students Succeed

It is estimated that more than one third of college students go hungry in the United States. That number is much higher on the community college campuses in Los Angeles County.

The Food Bank seeing the need at college campuses has expanded this program to include outreach for college students. The Food Bank distributes at Citrus College every other week.

A group of volunteers from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank distributes food from a truck. Two women hand bags to recipients, while others organize boxes. A "Citrus Water Polo" logo is visible on some shirts. People wear casual clothing, and backpacks are present. Citrus College is one of three campuses currently utilizing the services of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s Mobile Food Pantry (MFP) program. The Mobile Food Pantry delivers nutritious, fresh food directly to students facing food insecurity in our community.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiles as she wears a light-colored blazer over a black polka-dot blouse. The background, reminiscent of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank's vibrant community spirit, is blurred with green foliage and soft lighting. Citrus College Dean of Students Dr. Maryann Tolano-Leveque was an early advocate for the program upon realizing the urgent need for food assistance among her students. “A lot of students were facing food insecurity, and the faculty didn’t know where to send them.”

The Mobile Food Pantry distributes to food to locations across Los Angeles County to underserved areas that do not have adequate access to other food assistance programs, such as pantries and soup kitchens. The Mobile Food Pantry delivers staple foods such as meat, poultry, dairy, fresh fruit and produce directly to neighbors in need by way of farmer’s market style distributions.

Since the Mobile Food Pantry has been coming, Dr. Tolano-Leveque sees the impact, “I think the whole campus feels empowered. It has helped a lot of people. It is vital on college campuses where the need is high, but where there is no infrastructure to store this fresh, nutritious food.”

“The most fulfilling part about this program is seeing the smiles on the student’s faces as they receive their food and listening to the personal impact that this food will provide for themselves and their families,” says Lila Ramirez, Food Bank programs manager.

Four people in blue scrubs stand in front of a Los Angeles Regional Food Bank truck, holding bags filled with groceries. Additional bags are on the ground. Other people and trees are in the background, creating a scene of community support and care. Research has shown that students are able to learn better when they are well nourished, and eating healthy meals has been linked to higher grades, better memory and alertness, and faster information processing. Students who get the nutrition they need are more likely to graduate and live happier, more productive lives.

“Students will continue to be a focus of the Food Bank. We are collaborating with several schools in Los Angeles County to distribute food on their campuses with our Mobile Food Pantry.”