Students and community members celebrate a decade of the Basic Needs program at CSULB.
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) celebrates a decade of its Basic Needs program, which addresses food and housing insecurity for students. Since its establishment in 2015, the program has expanded significantly, aiding thousands by providing resources like the Beach Bites app and ASI Beach Pantry. Key partnerships with local organizations have strengthened food supply efforts, while emergency grants support students facing financial crises. Community involvement remains crucial for sustaining these initiatives, allowing students to thrive academically while meeting essential needs.
This October, the vibrant city of Long Beach is joining in a *big* celebration as California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) marks 10 remarkable years of its Basic Needs program. This incredible initiative, launched in 2015, has been a game-changer for students, tackling the pressing issues of food and housing insecurity. It all started when a study from the CSU Chancellor’s Office highlighted CSULB’s proactive approach to ensuring that students could focus on their studies without the heavy burden of basic needs hanging over their heads.
Back in 2015, CSULB made a smart move by officially formalizing existing emergency services, including grants and housing assistance, into a cohesive program aimed at helping students thrive. Over the years, this program has *grown* exponentially. One of its exciting early innovations was the Beach Bites app. This nifty tool lets students know when there’s leftover food from campus events, ensuring that no delicious morsel goes to waste. The program even offers hotel vouchers for students who find themselves unexpectedly displaced, showing just how committed CSULB is to its student body.
Fast forward a decade, and the Basic Needs program has *expanded* in truly incredible ways, now serving thousands of students each year. Among the notable additions is the ASI Beach Pantry, which works in tandem with outreach efforts for CalFresh, the state’s food assistance program. Alongside this, students can access emergency intervention services that provide crucial help during tough times.
Statistics tell quite the story about how this program has adapted to increasing demands. For instance, over the past ten years, *key partnerships* with local organizations such as Food Finders and Long Beach Organic have ensured a steady food supply while also actively working to prevent waste. This is a win-win for the community, helping to keep students fed and happy while simultaneously addressing food waste issues.
The program has made a significant impact on the financial well-being of students as well. Emergency grants have come to the rescue for over 700 CSULB students grappling with unexpected financial crises, be it due to unexpected medical bills or childcare losses. These resources empower students to stay enrolled and focused on their education rather than being worried about how to make ends meet.
What many might not realize is the crucial link between *food security* and academic performance. Students who access the Basic Needs resources often find themselves achieving higher course success rates—an essential factor for maintaining both enrollment and graduation rates. It’s all about enabling students to thrive, not just survive.
Community support plays a vital role in the success of the Basic Needs program at CSULB. There’s a call for action to allow local residents and organizations to contribute through donations of food, financial assistance, or even time spent volunteering. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get involved and make a tangible impact in the lives of students who are balancing the demands of education with daily survival.
For those interested in learning more about the Basic Needs program and how to support it, visit their webpage at csulb.edu/basicneeds. By donating, you’ll be helping to alleviate the tough choices some students face between paying rent and buying food while they pursue their educational goals.
So here’s to CSULB’s Basic Needs program for a decade of impactful service and community support! Cheers to many more years of helping students achieve their dreams!
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