Local or Global: How to Get Free Food on Campus and Beyond
Free food options for the first week of Block 4
Welcome to The Meal Plan Guard. I’m Polly, and I am here to protect your Meal Plan budget. If you missed last week’s edition, find it here.
This week's event and food options are versatile and exciting, ranging from a Pretzel-Making Class to a Shabbat Dinner. For local reach, take a look at the foods and goods the CC Pantry offers. For global reach, read the application guide for federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
What Do You Think of My Tone?
This week, a reader contacted me with a concern about the tone of my newsletter. The feedback focused on how I address the issue of food insecurity on campus and questioned my intentions.
I think this concern is valid since tone and voice are some of the things I have been most concerned about when writing The Guard. As a non-native English speaker, it is hard for me to pick up on context clues, not even speaking of subtle changes of tone in writing. I try my best, but my writing needs work.
So, as an aspiring journalist, I can’t back down. I am determined to keep this publication and do my best to reach my audience with clear and good intentions.
“I created this newsletter with two goals: to help students who are worried about their meal plan money and to increase show-up rates at school-sponsored events.” — About page of The Meal Plan Guard.
My goal was never to encourage students to storm on-campus events for free food, just to immediately leave or support irresponsible budgeting of meal plans while relying on the events providing free food.
If you have feedback for my style, tone, voice, or any other aspect of my writing, I am always open to suggestions. I created this project for fellow students and I would like to keep it useful and accessible for all of you.
Thank you for your time and attention.
What’s on the Plate this Week?
🧃 The Wellness Resource Center is organizing a four-part workshop to “explore and challenge the appearance ideal“ and enjoy snacks. Register here to join a series of discussions on Tuesday and Thursday between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
🥘 Sacred Grounds will offer lunch on Nov. 20 as part of its traditional Wednesday Cozy Lunch. Whether you come for the food or stay for the community, everyone is welcome between 12:00 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.
🧁 Shove Chapel is back with Meditation and Muffins this Thursday, Nov. 21. Come between 8:00 a.m. and 8:25 a.m. to enjoy some stretches and grab a muffin for your morning coffee.
🍕 The Colorado Scientific Society is inviting CC students interested in science careers for a Poster Night with pizza and drinks on Nov. 21. The Calvary Church in Golden, CO, will host the visitors starting at 7:00 p.m. In addition to refreshments, students will be provided with a “platform for scientific discussions, feedback, and networking opportunities for young scientists.“
The Colorado Scientific Society, Founded in 1882, is the oldest scientific society in the Rocky Mountain region with the goal of promoting knowledge, the understanding of science, and its application to human needs. We focus primarily on earth science, but welcome members with interests in all fields of science.
🍕 The Catalyst newspaper is hosting Pizza and Pitches this Friday, Nov. 22. Anyone willing to get involved in the newspaper is welcome at the publishing house (1028 Weber) to enjoy some fresh pizza and productive writer talk between 12:00 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.
✡️ The Interfaith House (1025 Nevada) is hosting a Shabbat Dinner. Schmoozing and games will start at 5:30 p.m. with brachot and meal following at 6:00 p.m. The event is open to everyone practicing Jewish tradition, willing to learn more, or enjoy a home-cooked meal this Friday, Nov. 22.
🍕 Students from the Anthropology department are organizing a five-day series of the UN COP-29 watch parties with pizza involved. Participants of the watch-along will engage in riveting discussions on crucial topics such as human rights, biodiversity, and public health. Register here to join them in the Tutt Library, Room 238, Monday through Friday, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The United Nations Conference of the Parties is an annual climate change conference currently taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan. A group of CC students are present at the conference live as a “delegation representing students in the United States as registered observers.” One of them, Havalin Haskell, is writing a daily newsletter reporting on her observations and highlighting “The tipping points are here. The time is now if we are to secure a habitable planet in the future.”
🥫 CC Pantry is open this Wednesday between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and Thursday between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Come by for free food of your choice and need.
Read a full piece below to learn about their offerings!
CC Pantry Re-discovered
Following the trend from the previous issue of this newsletter, I once again bring you an interview with an on-campus resource that can help in times of need. Last week, I spoke to Emily Lowe and Branwen Keenan, two out of three student workers at the CC Pantry, to report on this hidden gem.
For those in a rush
Here’s some basic info:
The Pantry is open every Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. during weeks one through three. During week four of the Block, the Pantry is open on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
To start “shopping” at the Pantry, you will be asked to fill out a sign-in form that serves analytical purposes and allows the Pantry to apply for funding.
The Pantry focuses on essential, nutritious, and healthy goods. It guarantees fresh and frozen choices of vegetables and fruit, frozen and canned protein (chicken and tofu), and dairy. In addition to food, you can also pick up toiletries such as Tide pods, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, condoms, and menstrual cups.
Students are encouraged to use the space according to their personal needs while also maintaining respect. In simple terms: grab what you need but not more.
The Pantry is hiring next semester. Keep an eye on your Handshake feed!
For those who stayed
Here’s the interview, edited for length and clarity:
How did the Pantry start?
Emily: During the COVID lockdowns, there were grab-and-go food bags. Students who remained on campus were in huge need, but once the other students came back on campus, it became clear that the issue was way bigger. The campus activities manager started the Pantry at the time, and it has been running since 2020.
What is the Pantry’s policy?
Branwen and Emily: We don’t check people at the door and encourage students to take as much as they need.
Emily: Some things are more expensive than others, so our options depend on the Pantry's budget restrictions. We try to prioritize healthy food in all food groups. Yet, we understand that students are the audience, and they will want instant ramen, so we balance cost-efficient and healthy produce.
What do you offer at the Pantry?
Branwen and Emily: We always have fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen protein, dairy, canned protein and veggies, and frozen fruit and veggies. These items are maintained and kept here regularly.
Emily: Some seasonal foods come from the CC Farm. They get the most produce in the early fall but keep harvesting things throughout the year. This fall, we got a lot of squash, tomatillos, garlic, and onions.
How is the Pantry funded?
Emily: We get primary funding from the student activities budget, but we also have fundraisers with alumni who are willing to donate directly to the Pantry. Part of our collaboration with Arts & Crafts is making tote bags to sell and raise money for the Pantry.
How did the Pantry change over the years?
Emily: The Pantry got a glowup: speakers, lights, freezers, and more shelves. We are also working on getting a larger variety of things.
Branwen: We are also collaborating with CC Arts & Crafts for more decor!
Why did you decide to work here?
Branwen: I volunteered in a food pantry all through high school and wanted to continue that here.
Emily: I am a first-generation student from a low-income, food-insecure household, so a key part of coming to CC was having resources like this [the CC Pantry]. If this place is giving these resources to me, then I guess I can do the same for others.
What is your favorite place to get free food on campus?
Emily: Fearless Friday talks, because I like math and pizza :)
Branwen: Honestly, the CC pantry, because it’s got a lot of fresh food options, which is hard to find even with money.
What is your recommended item from the Pantry?
Branwen: Apples that we get from King Scoopers. Those are so good.
Emily: Organic pasta we get from Costco. It just tastes amazing.
Can students donate food?
Yes! The Pantry has shelves right outside of it where people can drop off the food they want to donate. We accept non-expired food in closed containers and reusable grocery bags.
There is also a shelf with briefly expired food (i.e. bread that is two days old). This food can’t stay in the Pantry, but it doesn’t mean it has to be thrown out, so students are welcome to grab any of those items.
Is there something you want students to know?
Emily: Please understand that this resource is for food-insecure students, and don’t replace it with the grocery store. The fact that the Pantry is on campus doesn’t make it efficient for you. Feel free to come in and get what you need with respect and self-love.
SNAP: What to Know and How to Apply
Students on the Full Meal Plan might find it unreliable and insufficient. But what about students on the Apartment Meal Plan? What about the people who don’t have any? Once students move out of the Big Three or smaller houses on campus, they have to decide which Plan to get. The question often resides in affordability, which could be a struggle for students paying tuition or working a minimum wage on-campus job.
SNAP benefits could come in handy whether you have to cook your own food due to dietary restrictions, rely on grocery shopping apart from an Apartment Meal Plan, or don’t have the financial resources to afford a Plan for the upcoming semester.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income households purchase food.
SNAP eligibility is based on income, resources and household size. Benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. These can be used like a debit card at participating food stores.
Eligibility criteria for students:
Adults between 18 and 49 who attend a higher education institution more than half-time must meet additional student criteria to receive SNAP benefits.
Work 80 hours/month or 20 hours/week
Have caregiving responsibilities for a child
Receive Colorado Works benefits
Have a physical or a mental disability
Participate in a work-study
Participate in a workforce development program (i.e. Employment First)
Students who live on campus and have a meal plan covering more than a half of their meals, are NOT eligible for SNAP.
Ways to apply:
Online
create a PEAK account
In case you can’t or don’t want to use your Social Security number for registration, there are other ways of verifying your identity offered by the same platform.
Verify your phone number
Select SNAP as the benefit for the application
Answer questions about yourself, your income, and your household
Expect an answer via mail, email, or phone number
You only have to fill in your name, address, and signature. The rest of information is up to you to disclose, but more context will speed up the processing of your application.
Mobile app
Download the MyCOBenefits mobile app
Choose whether you want to create an account or apply right away
Answer the questions about yourself, your income, and your household
Expect an answer via email or phone number
Mail, fax, or in person
Fill out the paper application
Mail, fax, or bring it in person to the local County Human Services Office
Website: El Paso Country Department of Human Services
Phone: 719-636-0000
Address: 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Working hours: M-F 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Documents to prepare:
Proof of income
Employed people should bring pay stubs, paychecks, or employer statements for 30 days of earned income.
Self-employed individuals should bring bookkeeping records.
People receiving unearned income (i.e. pension, disability benefits, child support, alimony, etc.) should bring an agency letter
Proof of identity
Driver's license or state-issued ID
Birth certificate or Social Security card
Work or school ID
Voter registration card
Proof of medical expenses for applicants with disabilities
Billing statements or repayment agreements
Medicare card, indicating Part B
Mileage or transportation costs to/from medical appointments
Itemized receipts for medical expenses (prescription drugs, medical supplies, etc.)
More context to your application might speed up the processing of your status.
Ask questions
If you have questions while registering your account or filling out the application form, contact the SNAP support line at 800-816-4451 or the Hunger Free Colorado general information line at 855-855-4626.
Things to know
The Country Human Services Office has 30 days to approve your eligibility.
You may be eligible for SNAP benefits in 7 days if you have less than $100 in cash and less than $150 in monthly earnings or if your housing expenses exceed your monthly income, or if you are a migrant or seasonal farm worker.
You might be asked for an interview via phone call or in person at the County Human Services Office.
The SNAP Retailer Locator can help you find stores that accept SNAP anywhere in the country, including around campus.
The Food and Nutrition Service website provides an extensive list of participating online stores in Colorado as well as nationwide options.
My name is Polly Panasenko, and I write about food and events on the Colorado College campus. My goal is to contribute to food security and community building at my college by writing about events catered by the school that offer free food for students. If you have an event you would like people to know about, send me a message!