You are invited to join student and administrative leaders at 10 a.m. on February 23 at the Zinfandel Plaza (across from the Health Center) for the ribbon cutting of Lobo’s Pantry, a new food distribution service for Sonoma State students who are in need.

Lobo will be joined for the festivities by President Sakaki, Associated Students President Wilson Hall, CSU Trustee Emily Hinton, Food Pantry JUMP Coordinator Casey Elbert, Pantry Coordinator Kim Estrada, me, and other campus officials.

Lobo’s Pantry, which is designed to ease food insecurity issues among students, is supported by the Division of Student Affairs, Associated Students, and Instructionally Related Activities Fund. Staffing is provided by Associated Students JUMP program.

About 60 percent of the food for the pantry is supplied at cost by The Redwood Empire Food bank and the remaining food will come from food drives or be purchased with money raised through donations.

The food pantry carries nonperishable items such as beans, pasta, canned vegetables, dry rice, breakfast bars, coffee and tea, and quick meals some fruits, vegetables and bread as well as feminine hygiene items, when supplies are available.

Any student enrolled at Sonoma State University is eligible to use the food pantry as often as once a week at no cost. While a student ID is required, confidentially of personal information is strictly maintained.

The pantry is open Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m., Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m.

The pantry also provides CalFresh food program assistance and referral services for students experiencing food insecurity (those not having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food). A representative from the Redwood Empire Food bank will be at the pantry twice a month to assist students in signing up for CalFresh services.

If you would like to donate to Lobo’s Pantry, please click here.