Food Resources & Support for Students
WesternU is committed to supporting students in all aspects of their academic journey and personal well-being, including reliable access to food. Whether you are facing unexpected financial strain or experiencing any level of food insecurity, there are resources for you!
Explore our options of on-campus resources, emergency assistance programs, and local support networks below designed to help you thrive and focused on your student success.
On Campus Resource: Care Cabinets
Free, non-perishable food available to all Western U students. No sign up or RSVP required, just stop by any of the on-campus locations to receive immediate short-term support.
Pomona Campus:
– HPC Student Commons (next to Office of Humanism)
– Harriet K. and Philip Pumerantz Library (next to LEAD Office)
Lebanon Campus:
– COMP-Northwest Student Commons
– CHS-Northwest Student Commons
If you are a student using the Care Cabinets, please take our short student survey to help us understand its usage and impact: Share Your Feedback | SLL Care Cabinet Survey
Support the Care Cabinets | Donate Today!
Partner with us in keeping our student community nourished. Donations allow us to keep the Care Cabinets stocked in between delivery and regular stocking dates, especially since items go very fast. Whether you choose to give a monetary gift or contribute food supplies, your generosity directly supports students experiencing food insecurity.
- Monetary Donations: All financial donations go 100% into ensuring the Care Cabinets remain stocked and full for students who need it: WesternU Care Cabinet Fund
- Food & Toiletry Donations: We gladly accept non-perishable food items and essential toiletry supplies. Donations can be dropped off at the following campus locations:
- Pomona Campus: Student Life and Leadership Office, Student Services Center, Room 101
- Oregon Campus: Office of Student Affairs (HCOM or CHS-NW)
For any questions regarding donations, please reach out to studentlife@westernu.edu.
Additional Food Resources for Students
The Care Cabinets are built for short-term relief. If you are looking for a long-term solution, there are resources available:
For students facing a financial emergency, including but not limited to food insecurity, the WesternU Student Emergency Support Fund can provide direct support.
Unexpected emergencies should not have to derail the tremendous investment you have made in your education and your future. When challenges arise, we encourage you to reach out and take advantage of the resources available to support you.
For more information and to apply: WesternU Student Emergency Support Fund Application
Local Food Banks (Pomona)
These community resources are open to all students and can provide additional long-term support to those navigating food insecurity:
- Inland Valley Hope Partners — Provides various food pantry resources located in Pomona, Ontario, San Dimas, and Claremont, plus two once/month food distributions in Upland and Chino.
- God’s Pantry — 250 E. Center St., Pomona, CA 91767 · (909) 766-8038 · Saturday distributions, by appointment. View flyer for more details
- New Life Community Church Food Bank — 275 E. Foothill Blvd. Pomona, CA 91767 · (909) 593-5000 · Thu 4:30–5:30pm and Fri 11:00am–3:00pm
Local Food Banks (Lebanon)
- FISH of Lebanon — 145 W Ash Street, Lebanon, OR 97355 · (541) 259-3200 · Tuesday/Friday 9am-3pm (pick-up 1:30pm-3pm). Shopping-style food pantry with hygiene items. Call in the morning to reserve a shopping slot.
- LORD’S STOREHOUSE — 726 W Oak Street, Lebanon, OR 97355 · (541) 259-1264 · Monday/Thursday 10am-1:30pm. Provides food pantry, clothing, and personal/grooming supplies. Located in separate building at the back of church parking lot.
- Lebanon Gleaners — 470 W. C Street, Lebanon, OR 97355 · (541) 451-1085 · Walk-ins accepted. Free food pantry assistance.
FoodPantries.org: A national database where you can access free food pantries and community food distribution programs by zip code or city.
- Comprehensive List of Food Pantries (Oregon): Oregon Food Pantries | Food Banks, Food Pantries, Food Assistance in Oregon
- Comprehensive List of Food Pantries (California): California Food Pantries | Food Banks, Food Pantries, Food Assistance in California
Too Good To Go: An app-based platform that connects users with local bakeries, cafes, and restaurants selling surplus, perfectly good food at the end of the day for a heavily discounted price. The app helps you save money while reducing food waste.
Download the app on the App Store or Google Play: Too Good To Go | Download
Apply for California SNAP Benefits | GetCalFresh.org
WesternU isn’t designated as a qualifying institution with California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (CalFresh). However, students can still apply under individual qualifications, if they meet specific eligibility criteria:
Eligibility for Students
In general, students between the ages of 18 and 49 who are enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education must meet at least one of the following exemptions to qualify for CalFresh:
- Work at least 20 hours per week (paid work, including federal work-study positions).
- Eligible for Work-Study (even if you are not currently employed in a work-study position).
- Have a dependent child:
- Under age 6, or
- Between ages 6 and 12 with limited access to childcare.
- Receive TANF/CalWORKs benefits (cash assistance).
- Participate in an approved program like EOP, EOPS, WIOA, or others designated for CalFresh eligibility.
- Unable to work due to a disability.
- Participate in programs supporting food security and workforce readiness, such as the Restaurant Meals Program.
Qualifications posted here are subject to change and you should always reference the CalFresh website.
Apply for Oregon SNAP Benefits | ONE.org
WesternU isn’t designated as a qualifying institution with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). However, students can still apply under individual qualifications, if they meet specific eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for Students
Students ages 18 to 49 enrolled in higher education more than half-time are usually only eligible for SNAP if they meet a special condition (called an exemption). Higher education may include college, university, trade and technical schools. The institution the student is attending decides what is considered ‘half-time’ enrollment.
In Oregon, students of higher education may meet an exemption if they are:
- Working or self-employed more than 20 hours per week (includes internships, externships, graduate assistantships and graduate fellowships)
- Participating in federal or state funded work study
- Receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Receiving Unemployment Compensation
- In school because of employer-sponsored training
- Participating in an Employment Department Training Program
- Enrolled in a program or course of study that will lead to employment
- Responsible for the care of a child under age 6 in a one- or two-parent home
- Responsible for the care of a child who is between ages 6 and 12 in a one- or two-parent home, and ODHS has determined that adequate childcare is not available to allow the student to attend class or work at least 20 hours a week
- A single parent responsible for the care of a child under age 12
Students who meet an exemption must also meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements.
Qualifications posted here are subject to change and you should always reference the Oregon SNAP website.
Request an Emergency Food Bag | Contact Us
If you require more immediate food assistance than what is available in the Care Cabinets, please reach out to SLL or visit our office and we will create an individualized bag of groceries for you, no questions asked!
SLL Office: Student Services Center
Hours of Operation: 8AM-5PM, closed 1-2PM for lunch