El Camino College's Warrior Pantry is an important resource to many students, providing supplementary food items to those facing food insecurity. And now, students can access food and toiletry items from the "Warrior Cupboard," a new temporary service designed to safely provide vital assistance to those in need.
"The Warrior Pantry has helped me by providing food and resources not only during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also throughout my time as a student at El Camino," said a student as she picked up groceries with her young son. "The grab-and-go drive-through is fast and easy to get groceries. The staff is excellent and supportive every time. This program is a huge help to my family."
Working within the guidelines from California Governor Gavin Newsom's statewide stay-at-home order to address the acceleration of COVID-19, the Warrior Pantry temporarily expanded to create the Warrior Cupboard, a drive-through distribution of groceries and toiletries two times per week. The extended service keeps the student food bank open and available to meet students' needs, while ensuring safety. Students can come to campus with their student ID and pick up a pre-packaged bag full of nutritious food items in Parking Lot B. The grab-and-go curbside distribution process features delivery directly to students' cars in compliance with social distancing directives.
Though the El Camino College campus is closed to the public, and classes have transitioned to an online platform, the Warrior Cupboard program is open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Parking Lot B, accessed from Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
Staff members wear gloves and face masks during the packaging and distribution process and also practice social distancing at all times. All tents, tables, chairs, and other furniture are disinfected regularly.
Feedback from the first days of the new curbside Warrior Pantry service has been positive, with many students saying that the additional food supplies help with basic food needs and in meal planning. One student said that the Warrior Pantry has helped her save money by making more affordable meals.
"I really appreciate my school and the community for all of their hard work and contributions," she added. "I am a single woman who is going to school and work and trying to balance a limited budget. Going to the Warrior Pantry has helped me stretch a lot while on a limited income. The hygiene products, food and toiletries are a big help. Thank you, El Camino!"
The Warrior Pantry has been especially important to another student's family because she and her mother are both out of work now and shopping has been difficult.
"The team working at the Warrior Pantry has been so helpful, and their kind and caring hearts show through their smiles," she said.
The Warrior Pantry is open to all currently enrolled El Camino College students. For more information, view: http://www.elcamino.edu/student/studentservices/warriorpantry/.