October 31 '25•Benjamin Demers•calfresh• mission market• calfresh

Mission Secures Over 1,000 Additional Pounds of Food Weekly to Support Students Amid CalFresh Delays

Student in the Mission Market
Mission College expands its Mission Market with more than 1,000 additional pounds of food weekly, ensuring continued access to nutritious groceries amid CalFresh delays caused by the federal government shutdown.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SANTA CLARA, CA -- Mission College has taken swift action to safeguard student well-being  in response to anticipated delays in CalFresh benefit distribution caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Beginning this week, the college will bring in more than 1,000 additional pounds of food each week for its Mission Market thanks to Second Harvest Food Bank, significantly expanding capacity to ensure students continue to have reliable access to nutritious groceries.

Food access is essential to student success, and the expected disruption to CalFresh payments, starting November 1, is likely to create financial strain for many individuals and families across California. Recognizing this challenge, Mission College has increased its food supply and strengthened support services to prevent food insecurity among its student community.
 

“Mission College remains deeply committed to the success and well-being of every student, and that includes ensuring access to healthy food,” said Mission College President Dr. Seher Awan.

“With the federal shutdown impacting CalFresh benefits, we acted quickly to secure more food for our Mission Market so that no student goes hungry or has to choose between paying bills and eating. Our students deserve stability during uncertain times, and we are here to support them.”

Students looking at food in the Mission Market
To support students affected by CalFresh delays, Mission College is boosting its Mission Market supply by over 1,000 pounds of food each week with help from Second Harvest Food Bank.
Located on the first floor of the Campus Center, the Mission Market provides free groceries including milk, chicken, produce, ready-to-eat meals, and pantry staples. The expansion represents a major investment in student support at a time when food assistance resources may be delayed for many.
 

“This increase in food supply reflects what we are seeing on the ground: more students seeking help, more students asking questions about benefits, and more students needing consistent support,” said Connor Keese, Outreach and Student Life Director. 

“Our goal is simple: to make sure every student who walks through our doors leaves with the food and dignity they need to stay focused on their education.”

In addition to Mission Market, the college offers a robust network of food access and basic-needs services, including:
 
  • Second Harvest Food Bank Distribution: Free weekly food distribution every Tuesday in Parking Lot C.
  • Free Meal Plan: One free meal per school day for students enrolled in six or more units.
Mission College also encourages students to utilize community resources like Second Harvest’s Food Locator tool and the CalFresh FAQ page from the California Department of Social Services to stay informed and find additional support.
 
Mission College remains committed to ensuring that every student feels supported, connected, and empowered to succeed during this challenging period.
Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected] 
About Mission College

Mission College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to succeed.

With a commitment to student success, equity, and innovation, Mission College offers a diverse range of academic programs, exceptional faculty, and supportive services to foster a thriving educational community. 


Learn More About Mission
Tags