West Valley College delivered a powerful start to fall, serving 9,000 more meals than the same time last year following the district’s formal launch of the nation’s first universal free meal program for a community college.
Students enrolled in six or more oncampus units are eligible. Each Sunday during the fall and spring semesters, participants’ accounts are automatically credited with $30 they can use for meals, snacks, and beverages at any West Valley café, coffee shop, or grab-and-go vending machine.
Opening week was a resounding success, based on feedback from the throngs of students lining up at the new Oak Bistro and crowding the Campus Center and Café Vasona.
“When I think of college, I think of fending for oneself—but West Valley defies expectations with its supportive programs,” said a third-year economics major. “The free meal plan is no exception.”
West Valley students can now enjoy fresh, scratch-made meals prepared by the district’s new food services partner, Thomas Cuisine. Busy students can order ahead for smoothies, sandwiches, and coffee drinks through the ThomasToGo app, and easily download their weekly meal credits to Apple or Google Wallet.
A September 9 ribbon-cutting celebration further highlighted the college’s commitment to wrap-around services that empower students to focus on their studies without the stress of meeting basic needs.
“Now that I don’t have to pay for food, I don’t worry so much about rent,” said a second-year music education student.