To relieve stress associated with being a low-income scholar, the student equity department, along with student government, has launched a food voucher pilot program on the Santa Rosa Junior College campus.
According to Genevieve Bartone, director of student equity, this is one of several consorted efforts to assist and retain underserved populations on campus. The equity department has implemented many programs over the past few years, including the equity scholarship, textbook loan program and food pantry expansion.
The food voucher program is one of three existing efforts to provide nutritious food options to students in need.
Students needing healthy food options can pick up a food voucher in Bertolini Student Center between 9 and noon Mondays and Tuesdays each week while supplies last. Food vouchers, valued at $8, can be redeemed at the Fresh and Natural cafeteria.
Bartone also advised students who might need more assistance with food to come to the weekly food pantry in Maggini Hall. The food pantry is a collaboration with the Redwood Food bank and offers healthy food and canned goods for students.
Students may also seek assistance filing for Cal Fresh benefits, a countywide food assistance program, with an eligibility worker on campus in the student health department each week.
Bartone said the student equity department is dedicated to helping underserved populations on campus become successful. Access to healthy food is one of many areas that the department is focused on improving.