As part of our ongoing efforts to support students in need, The Campaign for Basic Needs Relief was formed. Formally known as the Campaign Against Student Hunger, the campaigns mission was expanded in January 2024 to better reflect the broader mission and reach in providing comprehensive assistance to students facing various challenges.
The Campaign for Basic Needs Relief not only aims to support our students experiencing food insecurity, but also our students who need access to basic needs items and emergency funds. In addition to supporting the Leo Food Pantry, which plays a crucial role in fighting hunger on campus, the campaign now also includes the Student Emergency Fund.
Learn more about our basic needs initiatives below.
Food Insecurity Initiatives
Leo Food Pantry
The Leo Food Pantry offers monthly food distributions to students throughout the academic year. The pantry offers four bag types: Regular, Vegetarian, Kosher and Halal.
Food Voucher Program
The Food Voucher Program is funded by a collaboration between the University and Bon Appetit. A voucher allows a student to get a meal at The Spot (or a Late Night Swipe at Barbara’s Place). Students who are in need of a hot meal, should contact a CARE Network member to be assigned a voucher.
Value Meals at Barbara’s Place
Barbara’s Place offers value meals to assist students who are experiencing financial challenges or food insecurity. These value meals will allow students to have access to an affordable, fresh meal.
Learn more about on campus and community food insecurity resources.
Basic Needs Initiatives
Leo Food Pantry Basic Needs Cabinet
The Leo Food Pantry implemented a Basic Needs Cabinet in 2022. The cabinet provides students with access to free toiletries such as menstrual hygiene products, bathing essentials, dental hygiene products and much more.
Student Emergency Fund
Due to generous donations, undergraduate, graduate and adult learners at the university may apply for limited emergency financial grants from the ULV Student Emergency Fund when urgent and emergency situations put their continued education at risk. Awards through the ULV Student Emergency Fund are awarded when funding is available.
Learn more about the emergency fund here.
How to Support The Campaign for Basic Needs Relief
Dining at The Spot
Bon Appétit Management Co. partners with the university to donate $0.50 for every faculty/staff meal purchased at the dining hall towards the Leo Food Pantry. By simply dining at The Spot, faculty and staff are contributing to the Campaign Against Student Hunger.
Donate to The Campaign
Support the campaign by making a monetary donation online. Your one-time or reoccurring financial contribution directly assists in meeting the essential needs of students and furthering our mission to create a supportive environment for their academic success.
Donate food and/or toiletries to The Leo Food Pantry
The Leo Food Pantry accepts physical donations in the form of non-perishable food and basic needs items. Please reference our Leo Food Pantry Donation List to learn more about our most needed items. Donations can be dropped off on campus at the food pantry located in the Randall Lewis Center (2231 C Street, La Verne, CA 91750) Monday-Friday from 8am-8pm.
Donate Holiday Meals to Students Experiencing Food Insecurity
Each fall, we partner with Bon Appétit for the Holiday Meal Initiative. By donating to this initiative, you can help provide a hearty holiday meal for a family of four. Your generosity will bring joy and nourishment to those in need during the holiday season.
Raising Awareness & Sharing Resources
Faculty and staff can assist The Campaign for Basic Needs Relief by raising awareness about food insecurity on college campuses and sharing food insecurity resources with students. As awareness is raised about food insecurity on college campuses, we can assist in normalizing this issue amongst our students. Normalizing this challenge can help to decrease any shame or stigma related to food insecurity that our students may be experiencing.