The Food basket of Fresno State

FRESNO, Calif. — Students at Fresno State who are facing food insecurity have a reliable recourse right on campus.

The Amendola Family Student Cupboard provides food to all Fresno State students for free.

As the cost of living continues to skyrocket, the food pantry remains a stable place for students to turn to.

“Gas that’s high, there’s high affordable housing, right, and so kind of the inflation of the economy, programs like this are really helpful for students,” said Michael Ballin, the Food Pantry Coordinator.

Since the program’s founding in 2014, there has been a growing number of people who visit the pantry.

“I think last time we looked at the numbers, right, it was 2,500 visits per week, about 10,000 visits per month. It’s a booming place. It’s definitely a used and utilized resource on campus,” Ballin said.

People are regularly encouraged to volunteer at the pantry, ranging from students on campus to community members who want to make a difference.

“We’re giving out to the community as well because you have people here who have children. And it not only helps their family, but it helps other families as well because it extends, it’s like a ripple effect,” said Kifah Muhammad, a year-long community volunteer.

These volunteers are the heart of the program, and they find genuine happiness in helping others.

“It’s kind of like a very fulfilling thing, I would say. And working here with all these different people of different backgrounds, different majors, it’s just really fun, you know. And it’s a great group, you know,” said Abdul Basit Jahangir, a student worker and volunteer.

For anyone who doesn’t know what their next food will be, they can always turn to the food cupboard, all year round.

“We also support community, build community, we welcome folks from a diversity of populations to come volunteer to serve their fellow peers, yeah,” said Ballin.

TAGS: Food Pantry, Fresno State, Volunteer service, community service