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Basic needs – Food Pantry, Health Center and more – still available as resources to campus

University continues to support students and families during challenging times

By California State University, Bakersfield

October 22^nd, 2020

Students are the number one priority at California State University, Bakersfield, not only when it comes to ensuring success in academics, but also offering resources for their overall well-being in mind, body and spirit.

“At CSUB, we know that student success begins well before our students attend class. It starts with basic needs like access to quality food and stable housing. The food pantry and supporting services are a valuable resource for students, and one that helps to promote wellbeing in and out of the classroom,” said Jason Watkins, assistant director of programs and services for Students with Disabilities.

Below are just a few of the services offered to students during these challenging times, even in the midst of campus being virtual.

Food distribution

Food Pantry

Since its grand opening in 2017, the Food Pantry at California State University, Bakersfield has remained a vital resource to students, faculty and staff.

While campus is operating virtually, the Food Pantry is still open five days a week for students, faculty, and staff. The Food Pantry is also using safety protocols throughout the process, including the implementation of social distancing, with only two people going in at a time to provide a safe shopping experience.

Visitors are allotted 16 points for the week to collect items ranging from granola bars to canned soup and boxes of pasta. The complete list of items, as well as more information about the point system, can be found on the Food Pantry’s website.

Food Pantry hours of operation:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Studies have shown that when students have food in their stomachs, they also perform better academically. This is just another item that will help students in their studies to remain focused and energized throughout the day.

More information about Food Pantry items, hours, recipes, available items each week and distribution dates can also be found on their Instagram account: @csub_foodpantry.

Food distribution

Food Distributions

Food Distributions at CSUB now take place twice a month. The next distribution date is Monday, Oct. 26, which will take place near the Icardo Center in parking Lot I – entering campus off Camino Media and Roadrunner Way at 11 a.m. The line will begin no sooner than 10:30 a.m. All food distributions are open to students, faculty, staff and the community.

However, the format has changed due to COVID. The University Police Department (UPD) will create a line in Parking Lot I, so students, faculty and staff can social distance in their cars, as it is a drive through service only. It’s important that everyone remain in their vehicle during the process.

Food distribution

Food distribution

Edible Garden/Sustainability

The Edible Garden isn’t open to the campus community just yet, but it does supply produce for the CSUB Food Pantry on campus.

Follow @csubsustainability and @csubediblegarden on Instagram for more information and to get the latest updates about the garden.

Health Center

The CSUB Health Center remains open for students should they need it. They can make an appointment by calling (661) 654- 2394.

The Health Center provides the basic outpatient medical services, including:

Medical evaluation and counseling for individual health problems;
Laboratory tests needed to evaluate many acute problems;
X-rays needed for skeletal injuries;
Contraception and family planning counseling;
Programs in health education;
Anonymous or confidential HIV testing; and
Emergency first aid for injuries on campus

Students can also apply for CalFresh through the Health Center. The service of CalFresh helps students with adjusting and expanding their budgets to ensure that they are able to incorporate healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables into their diet.

For more information about services offered through the Health Center, visit the Health Center’s website or visit the CalFresh website to find out the other benefits to come from the organization.

All of the aforementioned resources are open to Antelope Valley students, as well. Should any students have questions, he or she may contact Jason Watkins at jwatkins4@csub.edu.

Basic needs – Food Pantry, Health Center and more – still available as resources to campus

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Footnotes

Story by Shelby Parker, writer/marketing and communications specialist; Photos by Juan Rodriguez

FootNotes

Story by Shelby Parker, writer/marketing and communications specialist; Photos by Juan Rodriguez

© 2026 California State University, Bakersfield

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