Support Mustangs in Need This Giving Tuesday Through Feed Cal Poly Mustang Meal Share, vouchers and food donations among ways Campus Dining assists

This Giving Tuesday, Cal Poly is calling on the Mustang community to make a difference through Feed Cal Poly — a university wide initiative dedicated to combating student food insecurity.

Developed by Cal Poly Partners and Campus Dining, Feed Cal Poly provides an easy way for students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters to join the global Giving Tuesday movement by donating meals, funds or food items to ensure all Mustangs have access to the nourishment they need to thrive.

“Food insecurity is a very real and persistent concern on campus,” said Maritza Perez, Basic Needs coordinator in Campus Health and Wellbeing. “Feed Cal Poly provides a quick and easy way to donate to the Cal Poly Basic Needs Initiative and ensure all Mustangs have access to the resources they need to succeed in every aspect of their university life.”

According to a survey conducted by the American College Health Association last spring, 39% of Cal Poly students experienced low or very low food security, Perez said. Food insecurity affects physical, mental and social health — and can impact academic outcomes.

Feed Cal Poly encourages campus and the surrounding community to give back on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, by contributing to the program online. Donations support students in need through meal vouchers and other essential resources. Students can apply for support at the beginning of each quarter.

The Mustang Meal Share program allows students to donate money from their dining plan through Grubhub. Once logged in, users select “Feed Cal Poly Donation” under “Restaurant,” choose the amount and check out using Campus Express Funds.

The Meal Voucher program — primarily funded through Cal Poly Partners and Campus Dining’s Meal Share initiative — provided more than $400,000 in dining credits to more than 2,000 students last year.

There is also a link through giving.calpoly.edu where anyone can donate.

Campus markets contribute to the on-campus Food Pantry, which serves hundreds of students each week. Campus Dining provides the Food Pantry access to its ordering catalog, extending quantity discounts through major purveyors for produce and grocery items, benefiting students in need.

Campus Dining also allows the Food Pantry to store additional items in its warehouse and deliver goods directly as needed. This partnership helps ensure a reliable supply of quality food, improves operational efficiency and ultimately enhances the student experience by supporting a stronger Basic Needs program.

Local grocery stores and the San Luis Obispo Food Bank also contribute. Last year, the pantry collected more than 20,000 pounds of donated food. The pantry also accepts donations of unopened, nonperishable food, personal hygiene items and school supplies.

The Cal Poly Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.