During an Ohio State University 2017 study on Collegiate Financial Wellness, it was discovered that 58.7% of Cerro Coso students worry about not having enough money for food to get them through the month. That is 9.7% higher than the sampled average of other community colleges.
Hunger Free Campus was created to address food insecurity for students. It is Cerro Coso's belief that no student should have to learn on an empty stomach.
Food Distributions and Services
Unfortunately, at this Cerro Coso cannot provide monthly food distributions during COVID-19. We know that this may place a hardship on many students and families, we are hopeful to return as soon as we can safely.
Hunger Free is able to provide bags of food if you need one by request only, you may request a bag of food by emailing Kathryn.bachman@cerrocoso.edu or Outreachservices@cerrocoso.edu. Once a request is made, Hunger Free will reach out with a time to meet on campus safely.
Also, we are also providing grocery cards to current students of Cerro Coso. Hunger Free funding allows students to receive $50.00 on an Albertson’s card, this card may be requested once a month until further notice. Please email Kathryn.bachman@cerrocoso.edu or outreachservices@cerrocoso.edu for more information.
How can I help?
Donate Food and Goods
Donate non-perishable items and hygiene products:
Donations are accepted year round in the Student Activities Office (MB113).
Needed items:
- Non-perishable food
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Kleenex
- Reusable plastic and cloth bags
Donate Money
Monetary donations can be made to Hunger Free Campus through the Cerro Coso Community College (CCCC) Foundation. The CCCC Foundation has established a new fund to collect donations that will allow us to create and sustain campus food pantries at all CCCC campuses.
Under Fund Designation,
choose Hunger Free Campus.
For Cerro Coso Faculty and Staff Only: If you are interested in providing monetary donations to this fund on an ongoing basis through payroll deduction, please contact Human Resources.
How are donations used?
Food and hygiene products donated to CCCC are used at food drives hosted on all campus sites. Monetary donations are used to purchase food and hygiene products from partnered food banks at a significantly reduced rate. Additional funds will be used to fund a permanent food pantry location on campus.
Are my monetary donations tax deductible?
The Cerro Coso Community College Foundation is a 501(c) (3) organization. All gifts to the foundation qualify for the maximum allowable deduction under the law. Donors should consult their tax counsel to determine the tax deductibility of any gift as it relates to their personal situation.
Additional Resources
Calfresh Program
Benefits Helpline 1-877-847-3663
Kern County Food Bank
800-273-2275 you must provide a CA DL, CA ID or Social security Number. Please call this number and verify for place and time, it is subject to change.
Kern DHS
145 E. Ridgecrest Blvd. 760-499-5200
Food distribution in Ridgecrest, CA
Subject to Change
Desert Christian Center
100 E. Bataan Ave. 760-375-9954
Nonperishable food give-away on the 4th Sunday of the month.
Grace Lutheran Church
502 N. Norma St. 760-375-9768
Food Pantry: Mon-Thurs 8:00am-5:00pm and Sundays 8:00am-2:00pm
Immanuel Baptist's Ministry Center
1201 N. China Lake Blvd. 760-446-4531
Free Dinner: Monday 6:00pm-6:30 pm
Clothing Closet: Monday, 5:00pm-6:30pm
Salvation Army
151 N. Downs St. 760-375-7219
Food Pantry: MoTuThFr 9:00am-11:00am
Commodities: 3rd. Thurs 8:00am-11:00am
St. Ann's Catholic Church
446 W. Church St. 760-375-2110
Food Pantry: Mon-Fri 9:00am-11:00am
Free Dinner: Varies, must call for dates & Times
St. Michael's Episcopal Church
200 W. Drummond Ave. 760-446-5816
Food Baskets: Tuesdays 9am-12pm.
United Methodist Church
635 N. Norma St. 760-375-7434
Free Dinner: Friday 5:00pm-6:00pm
