About the Basic Needs Center

In Fall 2020, CalArts Student Union administered a student survey and wrote a strategic plan report which helped kick start the development of a more robust food pantry for students. After recognizing the impacts of COVID-19, they identified a need for the pantry to expand during remote services and continue to provide food and basic necessities to students once the school transitioned back in person.

While CalArts has long operated a food pantry, CalArts established its first-ever Basic Needs Center in December of 2021. The grand opening of the COOP Basic Needs Center was made possible through the leadership of Student Union (student government), generous donor support, and the Basic Needs Center Taskforce. The COOP is available to currently enrolled students in need of food and basic necessities. Access to the center is based on a self-assessment and uses a simple check-in process. Please see the Support the Basic Needs Center page for information on the ways to donate and give back or donate now by clicking on the button below. 

Donate Now to the BNC


Operating Hours

Monday - Friday
10:00 am to 4:30 pm

Face coverings and physical distancing required to enter the Basic Needs center. Please continue to follow us on our social media platform for the most current updates: @calartsbnc

Contact Us

Email: BNC@calarts.edu
IG: @calartsbnc