Life at CalArts

We are currently located at D216 which is on the 2nd floor of the main building across from the Student Union Office. During the school year we are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. 

Students are welcome to come to the COOP BNC once per week, take up to 10 food items and 5 basic needs items (total of 15 items) while being mindful that the center is a shared community resource for immediate need. 

The COOP BNC operates on a self-assessed need basis. There are no eligibility requirements except for a CalArts Student ID#. All you need is a mobile smartphone or tablet to scan the QR code to check in or you can at the time of your visit. If you do not have a smartphone with QR code compatibility, you are welcome to use the front desk computer to check-in. You can only access the Check-In Form once the Food Pantry opens!

We offer non-perishable items such as rice, pasta, milk, on-the-go snacks, canned items, instant meal items, and hygiene products including soap, hair care, toothbrushes, toothpaste, menstrual products, and deodorant!

We define Basic Needs as the essential resources that impact your health, belonging, persistence, and well-being. It is an interconnected ecosystem that includes:

• Nutritious Food
• Stable Housing
• Hygiene
• Health & Mental Wellness
• Financial Sustainability

Off-Campus Resources

BNC is providing these local food resources to students who may be experiencing food insecurity and need access to food while the BNC is closed over the summer. These resources can also be accessed when students are back on campus. CalArts and the BNC are not affiliated with any of these organizations.

Free Resources-Food Pantries

Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry: https://www.scvfoodpantry.org/

Location: 24133 Railroad Avenue, Newhall CA 91321

Hours: Monday from 11am-2pm, Tuesday from 9am-12pm, Wednesday from 2pm-5pm, Thursday from 9am-12pm, Friday CLOSED, Saturday from 9am-12pm, Sunday CLOSED.

Requirements: Proof of living in the Santa Clarita Valley and an ID (can be student ID).

Frequency: Once every two weeks

The Salvation Army - Food Pantry: https://santaclarita.salvationarmy.org/santa_clarita_valley_corps/

Location: 22935 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita, California 91321

Hours: Monday 9am-2pm, Tuesday CLOSED, Wednesday 9am-2pm, Thursday 9am-12pm, Friday 9am-2pm, Saturday CLOSED, Sunday CLOSED

Requirements: Proof of ID (can also be a student ID).

Frequency: Weekly

The Church of Hope: https://www.thechurchofhope.org/food-pantry/

Location: Mint Canyon Plaza #105, 17866 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country, CA 91351

Hours: Monday 10am-5pm, Tuesday 10am-5pm, Wednesday 10am-5pm, Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday CLOSED

Requirements: Picture ID

Frequency: Once every two weeks

Local Farmers Markets (EBT/CalFresh accepted)

Santa Clarita Farmers Market: https://www.vccfm.org/santa-clarita

Location: COC Valencia Campus, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Day/Hours: Sundays 8AM - 12PM

Old Town Newhall Farmers Market: https://www.newhallfarmersmarket.com

Location: Parking lot of the Old Town Newhall Library, 24500 Main Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91321

Day/Hours: Saturdays 8:30AM - 1:00PM

Canyon Country Farmers Market: https://www.canyoncountryfarmersmarket.com

Location: Canyon Country Community Center, 18410 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, CA 91351

Day/Hours: Wednesdays 4PM - 8PM

Low-Cost Grocery Stores

Grocery Outlet: https://www.groceryoutlet.com/circulars/storeid/463

Location: 19355 Plum Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

Hours: Monday 7am-9pm, Tuesday 7am-9pm, Wednesday 7am-9pm, Thursday 7am-9pm, Friday 7am-9pm, Saturday 7am-9pm, and Sunday 7am-9pm

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.