Free Groceries and Meals Every Tuesday: College of Alameda Students Get a Taste of Tasty Tuesday!

What started as a simple food giveaway at the College of Alameda (CoA) has now blossomed into a vital daily resource for students. According to a report by CoA student Cassandra L. Hernandez in Peralta GEMS, the Community College District newsletter, the program has grown from occasional meals to daily free meals and groceries to address student food insecurity.

The program, originally called Tasty Tuesday, now serves free meals and fresh produce on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., while supplies last. The meals are now provided by Pacific Fine Food, featuring a rotating menu with meat and vegetarian options. Breakfast is available from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

CoA President Melanie Dixon advocated strongly for this program, securing an increased budget for better food services during the summer. It’s an essential support for many students struggling to make ends meet.

Jeremy Simmons, the Basic Needs coordinator, reassures students who may feel hesitant about asking for meals. “We want to make it easy for you,” he says. Students only need their CoA Student ID with the current semester sticker to receive meals.

While the program focuses on current students, those without an ID must follow the new guideline of not being able to use school emails for identification anymore. This change aims to prioritize students who actively attend CoA, especially since resources are limited.

For students looking for other options, CoA provides additional support. Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., free fresh produce and tote bags are available outside the F-Building. Items include shelf-stable milk, rice, beans, fruits, and vegetables.

The Pantry in room F-122 remains open on weekdays, except Tuesdays, offering students free shelf-stable foods, clothing, and hygiene products. Shopping baskets are provided outside the door, ensuring easy access to these essential items.

Research highlights that food insecurity is a growing issue among college students, with 30% of them reporting they are unsure of where their next meal will come from (source: Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice). Programs like this not only help fight hunger but build a stronger student community.

The expansion of the Tasty Tuesday program reflects a broader trend in education where institutions are shifting to meet the holistic needs of their students. By prioritizing food security, colleges can better support their students’ academic success.



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