The Cohn Family Food Pantry
Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Community members welcome) |
|
*Only pre-made food bags available on Fridays until 2 PM. |
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The Cohn Family Food Pantry is a food share program that provides free groceries to WVC students, staff, faculty, and the local community. We offer fresh produce, non-perishable foods, and refrigerated/frozen foods.
How it works:
- Upon arrival, you will check into the office using the QR code or Kiosk and select “Food pantry” as your reason for visiting.
- Then, wait in line to complete your check in at the front desk.
- During your first visit, you will be given a Pantry ID card. Do not lose this card! You must bring it with you every time you visit.
- Once checked in, you can grab a basket and enter the pantry. No bags of any kind are allowed in the pantry.
- The number of items you are allowed to take from each section is clearly marked. Feel free to ask a staff member if you have any questions.
- Before you leave, make sure you check out and return your basket.
Note:
- We are a bag-less pantry! Please bring your own reusable bags.
- Community members are welcome to use the pantry on Thursdays.
- All items are first come, first served. While we do have limits as to how many items each person can take, we cannot guarantee that we will have specific items in stock.
- Sign up for text messages to stay up to date!
Free Snacks
The Office of Student Needs proudly offers free snacks to all students once per day.
Our snack options include yogurt, granola bars, cup of noodles, chips, and more.
*Snacks are first come, first served. Not all items may be available.
CalFresh
The Office of Student Needs proudly offers CalFresh application assistance.
CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, provides monthly food benefits to low-income individuals and families and economic benefits to communities. As a student, you may meet the requirements to receive CalFresh benefits! Make an appointment to learn more.
Free Food Distribution
West Valley College will be providing FREE grocery items in partnership with Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. The distribution is open to all WVC students and community members.
Dates: Every Monday
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: West Valley College, Parking Lot 6
Park It Market
West Valley College will be providing FREE grocery items in partnership with West Valley Community Services. The distribution is open to all WVC students and community members.Campus Center Walkway- 1:45 PM-3 PM
- September 8th, October 13th, November 10th, December 8th
- August 25th, September 22nd, October 27th, November 24th, December 22nd
Free Meal Plan
West Valley Mission Community College District now offers FREE meals for all students enrolled in at least 6 in-person units. To learn more about the program, go to westvalley.edu/freemeals.
Students Experiencing Homelessness and Housing Insecurity
On-Campus Resources
- Food Pantry
- On campus showers and lockers
- Transportation support
- WiFi Hot Spots
- Clothing and basic needs supplies
- Grocery and gas gift cards
- Hygenic products
- Priority registration
- One-time financial assistance
- One-on-one meeting with Bill Wilson Center case worker (ages 18-24 only)
Off-Campus Resources
The Bill Wilson Center provides housing and other support services Bill Wilson Center for youth and families.
You can learn more about their housing programs here.
You can learn more about their housing programs here.
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) offers voucher programs and rental properties that help make rental housing safe and affordable for over 20,000 low-income families and individuals.
Apply online to join the interest list to be considered for a Housing Choice (Section 8) Voucher.
Apply online to join the interest list to be considered for a Housing Choice (Section 8) Voucher.
As the social service and social justice ministry of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of San Jose, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County works toward building a just and compassionate community with all people in a changing Santa Clara County. They offer affordable housing resources and services for unhoused individuals.
Visit the CCSCC website to learn more!
Visit the CCSCC website to learn more!
The Homelessness Prevention System (HPS) program provides assistance to low-income families or individuals who are at risk of losing their housing, including temporary financial assistance, legal support, and more.
Learn more here.
Learn more here.
If you are experiencing a housing emergency, the Here4You hotline can help match people to emergency shelter and provide transportation to the shelter, direct people seeking rental assistance to Homeless Prevention Services, and make referrals to other community resources.
VTA Clipper Card
The Office of Student Needs is excited to offer VTA clipper cards to our students! Stop by the front desk to get yours today.Eligibility: Students must be currently enrolled in a credit or non-credit course.
Lyft Vouchers
The Office of Student Needs offers one-time Lyft vouchers for eligible students. Meet with Student Needs staff to learn more!
Free Haircuts
The Office of Student Needs is excited to offer FREE haircuts for students. Haircuts are first come first served.
Location: Kirkorian Pavilion
Upcoming dates: September 6, October 6, November 4
Career and Basic Needs Clothing Closet
The Office of Student Needs houses a FREE clothing closet with everything from suits and dresses to shoes, jeans and socks. The clothing closet is donation-based and we are always getting new items! All enrolled students can take up to three items per month. Don't see what you're looking for in the closet? Meet with Student Needs staff to request specific items.
Hygiene Supplies
The Office of Student Needs offers hygiene products to students free of charge. Please visit the front desk to browse the hygiene rack for items such as deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, feminine products, and more.If you are in need of a shower kit or other hygiene items that are not on the hygiene rack, please make an appointment with student needs staff!
Emergency Fund Assistance
The Office of Student Needs offers one-time emergency fund assistance for qualifying students. To determine eligibility, complete the following steps:- Fill out the application.
- Meet with Student Needs staff to complete the application.
- Sign the the agreement and schedule a FREE session with a financial literacy coach.
Emergency Fund FAQ
Emergency funds are available to students experiencing a financial challenge related to a basic need. Eligible students can receive up to $500 one time during their academic journey at West Valley College.
To receive a one-time emergency fund, you need to complete the application and meet with student needs staff.
Emergency funds are disbursed through Bank Mobile within 1-2 weeks. Check in with the staff member who approved your application for the exact date.
If you do not have Bank Mobile, student needs staff will email you when your check is ready to pick up.
If you do not have Bank Mobile, student needs staff will email you when your check is ready to pick up.
No, emergency funds are available one time during your academic journey at West Valley College.
Please meet with student needs staff to discuss your situation as there are other resources that may be helpful to you.
Please meet with student needs staff to discuss your situation as there are other resources that may be helpful to you.
Please reach out to student needs staff to find out why your application was not approved.
If you have not met with student needs staff, then your application is not complete and therefore has not been denied. You will find out during your appointment with a staff member if your application is approved or denied.
If you have not met with student needs staff, then your application is not complete and therefore has not been denied. You will find out during your appointment with a staff member if your application is approved or denied.
Emergency funds can be used for basic-needs related challenges including car repairs, rent, utilities, etc.
Emergency funds cannot be used for:
- textbooks
- tuition and fees
- supplies required for your classes
Emergency funds cannot be used for:
- textbooks
- tuition and fees
- supplies required for your classes