Bodhi Haugen

Cal Poly Humboldt (CPH) sent out an email on Aug. 2, letting students know that the Giant’s Cupboard will begin accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. With many students facing financial difficulties, expanded on-campus payment options encourage students to eat regularly and stay fueled throughout the day.

CPH said in the email that they are working on accepting SNAP at the College Creek Marketplace. Applications have also been submitted for the 101 Express Cafe and Market at the Hinarr Hu Moulik housing complex.

The Giant’s Cupboard is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday. Because the Giant’s Cupboard opens in the evening, expanding SNAP acceptance to additional locations will improve student access to food throughout the day.

Sarandon Kamrud, a senior and kinesiology major at CPH says she wasn’t going to the Giant’s Cupboard at all but is compelled to go more because her SNAP benefits are accepted there.

Sebastian James, a sophomore communications major at CPH, uses the Giant’s Cupboard daily.

“I go to the Cupboard probably every day, to be honest,” James said. “The accessibility to come any time of the day, especially late at night to get a snack, because the dining hall is closed early on certain days.”

Jonathan Dutra, a junior psychology major at CPH, emphasized the importance of expanding access to SNAP benefits for students who previously could not use them on campus and looks forward to more locations doing the same.

“I think it’s great. I think that it’s very important for people to be using their EBT benefits at a place, specifically in college, where everybody needs a little help,” Dutra said.

One of CPH’s goals is to make food more accessible. If students are interested in applying for SNAP benefits, they can do so through the CalFresh website. Students can also receive help with the application by emailing OhSnap! for an appointment.

Bodhi is a reporter and news editor for the Lumberjack. You can reach him at bgh27@humboldt.edu