Food Resources
Renegade Pantry
We provide assistance to students who may need a little extra help. We offer a wide variety of supplemental food options, personal and professional clothing, gender-affirming clothing, hygiene assistance, and personal care to BC students. Each student has 12 points that reset at the beginning of each week. Please stop by Basic Needs to ask about assistance!
Renegade Pantry Basics
Summer Hours of Operation
- Monday - Wednesday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thursday: 2:00PM - 5:00PM
- Friday: Closed
*Hours subject to change
For more information, please email thepantry@bakersfieldcollege.edu.
Who can use the Renegade Pantry?
BC Students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to stop by:
- Must be enrolled in at least 0.5 units at Bakersfield College
- Must show current BC Renegade card upon pickup.
- If you do not have one, please visit the Office of Student Life and get your card prior to arriving at the pantry.
- BC Renegade Card Information Page
Clothing & Hygiene Assistance
The Renegade Pantry can also provide gender-affirming clothing and hygiene assistance as well as a limited amount of school supplies to BC students. The Renegade Pantry has business attire for students for job interviews. Please stop by the Office of Student Life to ask about assistance!
Location and Contact Information
Where to Find Us:
Campus Center (CC) Building
Room 130
Phone: (661) 395-4256
Email: thepantry@bakersfieldcollege.edu
History of the Renegade Pantry
The Renegade Pantry began in 2009 when there was a massive cut to California Community College special needs programs, which led to a growing need among students. BCSGA responded back to the needs of its constituents and developed the initial Renegade Pantry program to help maintain the health and welfare of Bakersfield College students through organized college, community sponsorships, and donations of nonperishable food items. The Renegade Pantry, a program offered by the Office of Student Life, focuses on alleviating food insecurity, hunger, and poverty among current Bakersfield College students. We provide food to students regardless of their race, religion, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability.
How can I help?
If you have questions about how you can get involved with the Renegade Pantry, please email the Office of Student Life at studentlife@bakersfieldcollege.edu.
The donate page has more information about how to contribute goods, clothing, items, or financial donations.
Renegade Nexus Farmers Market
The Renegade Nexus hosts a Farmer's Market food distribution on the third Tuesday of every month (excluding December) at 10:00AM at the Outdoor Theater entrance. We provide nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other food items to students and community members. Please visit the Online Events Calendar for future dates.
CalFresh Assistance
CalFresh is a nutrition assistance program funded by the USDA that can help low income individuals or families buy the groceries they need. It was formally known as food stamps and is widely known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
CalFresh can help stretch a tight food budget allowing students afford to incorporate healthy foods like fruits and vegetables into their diet.
Student Eligibility for CalFresh
You are considered a student if you are enrolled in 6 credit units or more. Student Eligibility for CalFresh depends on several different criterion. Some examples and requirements include:
- Low income students who work an average of 20 hours a week or an average of 80 or more hours a month.
- Those approved for Federal Work Study, or those who receive a Cal Grant (A or B)
Non-Student Eligibility for CalFresh
Eligibility for individuals or families who are not college students largely depends on income, and a household's ability to work.
How to Apply for CalFresh
You can also apply for CalFresh online.
It is recommended to schedule a meeting with your Bakersfield College CalFresh Assistant in person or via zoom for assistance
in applying.
How Does CalFresh Work?
Eligible recipients receive spendable benefits electronically on a physical EBT card, like a debit card. Recipients are able to spend their CalFresh dollars at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and some convenient stores.
More Questions?
Find answers in the CalFresh FAQs
Ready for the Next Steps?
Contact your CalFresh assistant today!
Bakersfield College
Campus Center
Office: (661) 395-4383
Email: calfresh@bakersfieldcollege.edu
Call, email, or stop by the Office of Student Life located in the Campus Center (CC)
building. You can also set up a meeting time for assistance or to get more information:
fill out an online form.
Food Banks and Resources
If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, or other essential services, use the Kern County 2-1-1 website to find someone who can help you.
Food bank locations or food resources can be found by visiting the Aunt Bertha website or by the Why Hunger hotline at 1 (800) 5-HUNGRY (1-800-548-6479).
If your finances are deeply affected, you may become newly eligible for SNAP. You may be eligible if you are facing unexpected expenses and a likely loss of wages during this time due to the lack of paid family and medical leave. You may need plane fare to get home or money to pay your rent. As a student, you can download the BEAM app for information about food banks and other available emergency resources near Bakersfield College!
If you need further assistance, please email studentlife@BakersfieldCollege.edu.
Other Resources
- COVID-19 BC and Community Resources: BC's dedicated page for community resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- California Association of Food banks: In addition to connecting you with food banks, this tool can also show you other types of food assistance programs. Enter your zip code above to find information about programs and resources in your county.
- Feeding America Food bank Search: The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food pantries and meal programs throughout the United States and leads the nation to engage in the fight against hunger.
- CalFresh Portal for Students: CalFresh is a California financial aid program that helps students buy food and eat healthier. It won't affect your existing financial aid and you don't need your parent's tax return information to apply.
- Social Care Network: Search for free or reduced-cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.
- CCC & County & Mental Health Centers
