September 6, 2016 - Students enrolled at Merced College and UC Merced, along with members of the local community, are eligible to participate in a monthly food assistance program offered by the United Way of Merced and the Merced Food Bank. The program is coordinated by UC Merced in partnership with the USDA.

According to Merced College Foods and Nutrition professor Jennifer Hobbs, the food pantry, located at Merced College’s Tri College Center, operates on the third Friday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  College students must show a student ID card, while members of the community will need to show proof of residency, such as a PG&E bill.

“While meeting the needs of those experiencing food insecurity, we also provide cooking demonstrations through our Foods and Nutrition Department,” Hobbs said.

This program is free and provides participants with a monthly food allotment. Foods and Nutrition students host cooking demonstrations during the months of September, October, November, February, March and April.

“All of our participants will have the opportunity to taste different recipes and learn new kitchen skills,” Hobbs said.

To participate, an online form must be filled out by visiting http://studentlife.ucmerced.edu/content/food-pantry-sign-form.

“It’s very important to attend if you sign up,” Hobbs said, “as a significant amount of ‘no-shows’ can put the entire program at risk.”   

In order to be included in the current month’s distribution, participants must complete the form by 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to the distribution, she said.

“If you are unable to pick the food up yourself, please arrange to have it picked up by someone else using the alternate pick up form available on the website,” Hobbs said.  “Also, it’s very helpful to bring large reusable grocery bags to transport the food, as you will receive a significant amount.”

For more information, contact Jennifer Hobbs at Jennifer.hobbs@mccd.edu or call her at 209.384.6014.
Source: Merced College