Food Pantry

The Food Pantry provides food assistance and referrals to students experiencing food insecurity; any student who is currently enrolled at MiraCosta College qualifies for the support. The support consists of either a snack or entree items. Typical food pantry items consist of canned goods (pasta, vegetables, beans, tuna, soups, and fruit), granola bars, crackers, and snack-like items. The program provides immediate, short-term relief and offers referrals for CalFresh and additional community resources for ongoing assistance with food insecurity. More detailed information about the Food Pantry hours and location is available on the website: CARE - Resources for Students

All services are confidential. Food Pantry services are also available through the following Student Services offices:

Campus Assessment, Resources, & Education (CARE)

Oceanside Campus, Building 3400, 760.757.2121, x6480 or x2135

Service Learning & Volunteer Center

Oceanside Campus, Building 3300, 760.795.6616

Student Life and Leadership

Oceanside Campus Student Center, Building 3400, 760.795.6890

San Elijo Campus Student Center, Building 900, 760.944.4449, x7782

Community Learning Center, 760.795.8710

Farmer's Market For You

In addition to the campus Food Pantry, MiraCosta College offers a free monthly food distribution program known as “Farmer's Market for You.” This is a campus-wide collaboration with the San Diego Food Bank and Feeding San Diego to provide access to FREE produce and dry goods. To access this service, students need their Spartan Pass or SURF ID number. For a monthly schedule and weekly hours, visit CARE - Resources for Students

CalFresh Resources

CalFresh (federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides monthly food benefits to income-qualifying families and students. Eligible individuals receive free money for food. Students who are interested in finding out more information about this resource can contact the CARE Program. The CARE Team will identify a designated staff to assist students with application intake or a referral to a community provider who can provide application assistance. Students can also apply directly at www.getcalfresh.org.

In order to receive application assistance from the CARE Team, please email care@miracosta.edu with your availability.

Local Food Distributions and Food Resources

The San Diego Food Bank and Feeding San Diego provide a wide variety of food resources and  local food distributions in a community near you. Food resources include programs like a client choice pantry, emergency food assistance, congregate meals, and more. To find out more information on how to access these resources, visit The North County Food Bank- Programs or Feeding San Diego- Food Distributions.

Individuals may also dial 2-1-1 to speak with a well-trained and live operator to be assisted with finding nearby food resources.  

How You Can Get Involved

Make a financial contribution. The MiraCosta Food Pantry and Farmer's Market is a campus-wide collaboration and is sustained through Hunger Free Campus Funds and the financial contributions from community, faculty, staff, and students. Financial contributions can be coordinated through the MiraCosta College Foundation Office: 760.795.6645.

Donate new or gently used reusable grocery bags. We are always seeking reusable bags to distribute at Farmer’s Market events to students. Reusable bags can be dropped off at the Service Learning & Volunteer Center - Oceanside Campus, Building 3300, 760.795.6616.

Volunteer your time. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to volunteer their time assisting at our farmers market events. Volunteers are needed to set-up, sort produce, bag produce, organize food items, and provide food to students. For more information on how to sign-up to volunteer, contact care@miracosta.edu.