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California Institute of the Arts

Basic Needs Center

Health and Well-Being

The COOP Basic Needs Center (BNC) is a resource for all CalArts students experiencing food and basic-needs insecurity—which can be defined as a lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food and hygiene products for an active, healthy lifestyle. 

The center ensures that students have access to basic-needs items so that they can focus on being a successful student during their time at CalArts.  

Follow us on Instagram @calartsbnc for the most current updates, or email bnc@calarts.edu for more information.

Large gray shelf with 36 cubbies stocked with many different kinds of packaged food.

Hours and location

Monday–Friday
10 am–4:30 pm
During the fall and spring semesters

We are located in D216, on the second floor of the Main Building around the corner from Tatum.

Face coverings and physical distancing are required to enter the Basic Needs Center.

How does it work?

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

The BNC operates on a self-assessed-need basis. There are no eligibility requirements other than a CalArts student ID number. All you need is a mobile smartphone or tablet to scan the QR code to check in, which can also be done 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 when the food pantry is open.

What we offer

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

What are basic needs?

We define basic needs as the essential resources that impact your health, belonging, persistence, and well-being. They are part of an interconnected ecosystem that includes:

  • Nutritious food
  • Stable housing
  • Hygiene
  • Health and mental wellness
  • Financial sustainability

Support the BNC

Your support directly impacts students: $10 can provide one lunch to a student, $25 can provide multiple dinners, and a larger gift can buy groceries and essentials for a week or more!

The BNC is partially funded by the Student Union, and also receives funding from the Food Solutions Program through generous donations from CalArts faculty and staff. 

To direct your donation to support the Basic Needs Center, click the button below and select “Other Areas,” then add “Basic Needs Center” in the comment section. 

Make a donation

Off-campus resources

The follow are some local food resources available to students who may need additional support during the school year or access to food while the BNC is closed over the summer. CalArts and the BNC are not affiliated with any of these organizations.

Free food pantries

Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry
Location: 24133 Railroad Ave, Newhall
Hours: Mon. 11 am–2 pm, Tues., Thurs., and Sat. 9 am–12 pm, Wed. 2-5 pm. Closed Fri. and Sun.
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
Location: 22935 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita
Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. 9 am–2 pm, Thurs. 9 am-12 pm. Closed Tues., Sat., and Sun. 
Requirements: Proof of ID (can be a student ID)
Frequency: Weekly

The Church of Hope
Location: Mint Canyon Plaza #105, 17866 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 am–5 pm. Closed Sun.
Requirements: Picture ID
Frequency: Once every two weeks

Farmers markets (EBT/CalFresh accepted)

Santa Clarita Farmers Market
COC Valencia campus, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd.., Santa Clarita
Hours: Sun. 8 am–12 pm

Old Town Newhall Farmers Market
Parking lot of the Old Town Newhall Library, 24500 Main St, Santa Clarita
Hours: Sat., 8:30 am–1 pm

Valencia Farmers Market
Five Points, 27426 Navigation Ave, Valencia
Hours: Sun. 8:30am–1 pm

Canyon Country Farmers Market
Canyon Country Community Center, 18410 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita
Hours: Wed. 4–8 pm

Low-cost grocery stores

Grocery Outlet
Location: 19355 Plum Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita
Hours: daily, 7 am–9 pm

History

In the fall of 2020, the CalArts Student Union administered a student survey and wrote a strategic plan report, which helped kickstart 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 to in-person instruction.

While CalArts has long operated a food pantry, CalArts established its first-ever Basic Needs Center in December 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 who self-assess as being in need of food and basic necessities.