Basic Needs Programs
Welcome
The Basic Needs Center at SBCC is a centralized hub that helps you navigate challenges you may be facing. We strive to build awareness about food insecurity, healthy nutrition, CalFresh, Financial Aid, and other resources in a dignified and helpful environment.
We work in partnership with the Food Bank of Santa Barbara and the SB County Food Action Network Higher Education Basic Needs Impact Group to improve the nutritional health and food security of our campus community.
Basic Needs Center
Location: East Campus, Room: ECC-14
Email: basicneeds@sbcc.edu
Phone: (805) 730-3067
Fall 2023 Hours
Monday - 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday - 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday -9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday - 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday - Remote Services
*Closed during intercession and campus holidays.
Our Programs
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry invites current SBCC students experiencing food insecurity regardless of income. Visit the Food Pantry at the Basic Needs Center and pick up FREE fresh produce, canned goods, pasta, dry grains, drinks, on-the-go snacks, and toiletries.
Love's Closet
We offer a selection of gently used clothing items. If you or someone you know is in need of clothing, our center is here to help. Available during the monthly Food Shares.
CalFresh
CalFresh is a federally funded food nutrition assistance program that can help applicants buy the food they need to live healthy and active lifestyles.
Check your eligibility and apply by emailing basicneeds@sbcc.edu or calling (805) 730-3066 to schedule an appointment.
Low / No-Cost WiFi and Hotspots
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps provide a monthly discount on Internet service of up to $30 per eligible household. Applicants currently receiving federal aid, including those receiving aid under Pell Grant, CalFresh, Medicaid, and WIC qualify to receive this benefit.
SBCC also offers free rental hotspots for eligible students.
Low-Cost Auto Insurance
California’s Low-Cost Auto (CLCA) Insurance program helps good drivers that are income eligible afford auto insurance that meets the state’s financial responsibility laws. Each policy provides liability coverage for the vehicle’s primary driver and eligible secondary drivers. Each individual car owner may buy separate policies to insure up to two vehicles, per person under this program.
Emergency Aid
We recognize that unexpected circumstances can create financial hardships. Our Basic Needs Center provides emergency aid to those facing crisis situations, offering temporary support to help overcome these challenges.
*Application will open August 28, 2023*
Basic Needs Resources and Referrals
The Basic Needs Center is here to support your SBCC journey!
Contact Information
Director, Student Equity and Engagement Programs • Student Equity Programs
Phone: (805) 730-4199
Email: rmbyrne@sbcc.edu
Make a Gift
The SBCC Food Pantry is partially funded by a Grant from the Department of Resources
Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) through California Climate Investments.
The SBCC Food Pantry is also funded by the CCCCO Hunger-Free Campus Initiative, the
SBCC Foundation, and generous donations from campus and community members.
Love's Clothing Closet has received generous support from the SBCC Foundation as well as campus and community donors.
If you are interested in making a monetary donation to the SBCC Basic Needs Program please click here: https://www.sbccfoundation.org/give-where-most-needed/.
To ensure the gift is directed to the SBCC Food Pantry please select "Use my donation where it is needed most" from the drop-down menu and type "Basic Needs Center" into the "Other Gift Instructions" section. If you have any questions about donating to the SBCC Basic Needs Center please contact the SBCC Foundation at (805) 730-4401 or email info@sbccfoundation.org.