Basic Needs

2025 Federal Government Shutdown

Updated 11/26/2025

• The federal government has reopened and CalFresh (i.e., Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) has been fully funded.
• Full benefits for November 2025 and through the year are expected to go out normally at this time.
• For official updates, please refer to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and their regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for the latest news.

Where to Find Additional Food Assistance

• Our Basic Needs Food Resource List has a number of local resources and links.
• SMC Students can utilize Bodega, the on-campus student food pantry, which is open Monday through Friday.
• Local food banks can be located through the greater Los Angeles area using the LA Food Bank Pantry Locator website or by calling 211.
• Other Resources: 
  
  • People that receive insurance through Medi-Cal may qualify for supportive nutrition programs such as Project Food Box.
  • Gopuff is giving $50 to people with EBT cards associated with their accounts (up to 200,000 people, once per account, between November 1 through 15 and November 16 through 30)
• Other Food Distribution Events (not affiliated with Santa Monica College):
  • The FeedLA program at various YMCA locations around the greater Los Angeles area are distributing food.

For other questions and assistance, feel free to email Thaddeus Phillips in the SMC Basic Needs department.

Basic Needs Program Eligibility

Our Basic Needs services are open to all SMC students regardless of immigration status, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, or disability.

We encourage students to make appointments with our counselors who can help determine the best supports available as every students needs are unique.