Since, the Student Food Pantry opened in 2019, it has worked to address growing concern among the student population at Delta College.
The now six-year old location continues to also grow in use and quality, no longer storing only canned foods and drinks, but instead shelving cereals, boxed food, microwave meals and basic supplies like soaps and razors. The quality of the foods has grown as well, with a variety of drinks from energy drinks to Capri-Sun.
Since 2023, several improvements have been made, both to food quality and to the pantry’s shelving. Well there’s more healthier foods in there, and like canned foods” said Amanda Reyes, who’s used the food pantry for the last three semesters, “I’d like some fruits, like fresh foods like bananas.”
The program struggled to keep up with demand in late 2024, when there were more than 600 returning students and 1,425 total students, however the Food Pantry has since adapted and served 2319 individual students in 2025, with 1,515 students during the fall semester according to Student Programs Assistant Valerie Valera.
This school year the food pantry was prepared for long lines and new applicants. “This is my first time here, I applied last week,” said student Frank Williams. “I was surprised they got back so fast.”
At noon on a recent Thursday, more than fifteen people were standing in line for the Food Pantry. This has become a common scene during the days the pantry is open, particularly as more students learn about the critical resource.
“We implemented PantrySoft in Fall 2024, which helps streamline check-ins, track usage more accurately, and make sure access is fair and consistent,” said Valera. PantrySoft is a service that helps manage inventory, accept volunteers, and is how students are able to sign up online.
The Food Pantry has also partnered with the Associated Students of Delta College on the Mustang Pass program, allows the students with a current Mustang Pass sticker to receive an additional three-point item.
“We also redesigned the pantry layout to make it easier to navigate, less overwhelming, and more like a grocery store than a handout,” said Valera.
This school year the food pantry is also offering an additional two-point item, or two one-point items if you bring your own reusable bag. Students can sign up for the food pantry through the PantrySoft tile on the Okta dashboard.
The current open times for the food pantry are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a short break from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for staff lunch.
