Fullerton College’s food support has changed over the years—from free “Grab-and-Go” meals starting in 2017, to a $12 cafeteria credit in 2023, and now the limited $5 “Meal Deal” started in 2024. But beyond the cafeteria, there are several lesser-known spots on campus where students can grab free food, snacks, and support throughout the week.
Students looking for a grab-and-go meal, snack or a place to hang out can visit the Umoja Village in the 1900 building. While the Umoja program was created to uplift and support the Black/African, Black/African American or Black/African Diasporic community on campus, the village is an all-inclusive environment for students to build community, lounge and study.
Located at the new Student Support Center building on Chapman and Newell, Fullerton College’s Food Bank offers free groceries and snacks to students currently enrolled in any NOCCCD school. Students can pick their food for the week like they would at any grocery store, from Monday to Thursday.
The Cadena Center, now located at the Student Support Center on the second floor, offers a lounge for students with a snack cart. The Cadena Center is an open and inclusive space that honors the diverse identities and experiences of people on campus and hosts campus-wide cultural events and virtual and in-person workshops throughout the year.
The Resource Center in the 1000 building near the Wellness Center has small snacks in rotation at the front counter that students can grab as they come in. They also help students with applications for CalFresh, a California program designed to help residents who are facing financial problems have access to healthy food.
“Students can come to the Resource Center during drop-in hours or make an appointment to get assistance with sending in an application for CalFresh,” said Cheyenne Harkless, the Program Assistant at the Resource Center.
While the Meal Deal provides a low-cost option for on-campus dining, the college continues to offer a range of free food resources to support students’ well-being. From grocery pickup to quick snacks, these programs aim to ensure access to food.
