Delta College offers a range of support services — from food assistance to health care — designed to help students stay enrolled while navigating rising living costs. But a sweeping federal budget law passed last year could ripple through many of those safety-net programs, raising concerns about how changes in funding and eligibility may affect students across San Joaquin County.
The legislation, formally known as H.R.1 or the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and includes changes to taxation, Medicaid and food assistance programs.
County officials estimate the measure could reduce federal funding to San Joaquin County by between $50.9 million and $76.9 million annually, potentially affecting programs such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh and public health services.
San Joaquin County administers many of the safety-net programs potentially affected by the legislation. According to county officials, more than 314,000 residents — about 39 percent of the county’s population — are enrolled in Medi-Cal, while nearly 132,000 residents receive CalFresh food assistance benefits.
Changes to eligibility requirements, funding levels or administrative rules could increase pressure on county agencies that manage those programs and the communities that depend on them.
At Delta College, staff who support students’ basic needs say campus services often play a key role when students face financial challenges or delays in accessing public benefits.
“If federal or state programs such as CalFresh were to experience delays or become more difficult for students to access, it is possible that more students may seek support through campus-based services,” said Ana Villegas, project manager for the college’s Basic Needs Center.
Villegas said the Basic Needs Center often serves as a starting point for students navigating food insecurity, housing instability and other financial challenges. The center helps connect students to both campus programs and community resources, including assistance with CalFresh applications, textbook vouchers and referrals to housing support and other services.
One of the most frequently used resources is Delta’s Student Food Pantry. Each semester, between 1,000 and 1,500 students use the campus pantry, according to Valerie Valera, a student programs assistant who works in the pantry.
In addition, the college partners with Second Harvest Food Bank to host monthly Mobile Fresh produce distributions that serve another 150 to 200 students.
Valera said demand for food assistance has increased in recent years as students face rising costs for housing, transportation and groceries.
“Rising food prices, housing costs and transportation expenses have all contributed to more students needing additional support,” Valera said. “Many students are working, raising families or attending school full time while managing financial pressures.”
She added that campus food resources often become an immediate source of support when students experience delays or barriers accessing public assistance programs.
“When students experience delays or barriers accessing programs like CalFresh, campus resources often become an immediate support system,” Valera said.
Community Medical Centers operates the health clinic on Delta’s campus, which provides medical services to students. The Collegian reached out to Sarah Taft, director of communications for Community Medical Centers, for comment but did not receive a response by press time.
Delta College to take over campus health center from Community Medical Centers
Delta College plans to assume direct operation of the campus health center as the current partnership with Community Medical Centers transitions to a new model led by the college.
The change was outlined in a Feb. 3 update to the Delta Health Center board by Dr. Lonita Cordova, assistant superintendent and vice president of student services. Under the current arrangement, the clinic primarily serves students enrolled in Medi-Cal or Medicare.
College officials say the new model will allow the health center to expand access and serve all Delta students through services funded by the $26 student health services fee.
The clinic currently provides a range of medical and behavioral health services, including primary care visits, immunizations, reproductive health services, mental health support and referrals to community resources.
Officials say the health center will remain open during the transition as Delta develops the new model and determines which services will be offered going forward.
“The good news in all of this is that while the existing Health Center primarily served students with Medi-Cal/Medicare, our new model will allow us to serve all students,” said Alex Breitler, Director of Marketing and Communications. “So at a time when there is uncertainty over access to quality healthcare at the federal level, we will actually be increasing access.”
