Resources
Multiple Resources May Make the Difference.
Whatever your financial crisis is, we encourage you to browse all the resources gathered on these pages. While some may not help your immediate need, many can help you save costs on significant parts of your budget (particularly food expenses), freeing up valuable resources to help you address other needs you may have.
On-Campus Resources
Associated Students Community Garden
The A.S. Campus Community Garden is a place for students to gather to learn, culturally exchange and participate in growing organic sustainable foods. Students can additionally pick up free, organic, locally grown food to take home and enjoy. Follow their Instagram @sjsucccac feed for updates and current hours of operations.
Associated Students Transportation Solutions
Transportation Solutions provides affordable and accessible alternatives and resources to driving on campus. Students commuting within San Jose and outside the county have a variety of options available at a discounted price. AS Smartpass (Santa Clara County) provides students with unlimited rides on VTA local, rapid buses, and light rail lines. The cost to matriculated students is $3 for the clipper card fee. Check out Transportation Solutions to explore transit discounts, Car & Bike Sharing programs, and more! Stay up to date with COVID-19 impacts on services and programs.
CalFresh Sign-Ups
For students who need help applying to CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps) we allow you to request a time for a trained individual to assist you with the application.
CHEW (Cooking Healthy, Eating Well)
Students can sign up for free cooking classes via the Student Wellness Center. Each cooking class teaches basic cooking skills, utilizing affordable ingredients, and all participants walk away with free food and useful knowledge. Follow their Instagram @chew_sjsu/ for more details, to register, and more.
Counseling and Psychological Services
For individual and group counseling sessions, contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 408-924-5910 or counseling.services@sjsu.edu. CAPS offices are located in the Student Wellness Center, Room 300B.
Legal Assistance - Lawyers in the Library
Free legal assistance to members of the public (including students) in the MLK Library. Appointments are required. Note that this program is not operated by SJSU.
For more information, go to the San Jose Public Library Lawyers in the Library page.
Quick Recipes
We've put together short demonstration videos on creating meals using many of the items commonly found at the Spartan Food Pantry.
Off-Campus Resources
211
211 Bay Area connects residents to current health, housing, and other social services. Students in other counties can find local resources by entering their zip code.
Food Connection Hotline - Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
Call 1-800-984-3663 to find out where you can go to pick up free bags of groceries once or twice a month in your neighborhood or nearby. When you call, be sure to ask about the "Produce Mobile" to learn about how you can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables as well. There are no income or legal status requirements for these programs. Calls answered Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Enter your ZIP code and get connected to local food service programs.
Hot Meals Close to Campus
Salvation Army
405 N. 4th St. at Julian St.
San Jose, CA 95112
408-282-1175
Serving lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday.
Lunch: 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Dinner: 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Spartan Community Meals
Convenient location next to campus dorms!
(Across San Salvador Street)
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
405 S 10th St
San José, CA 95112 (parking not available)
Serving FREE weekly hot meals every Wednesday, Noon - 1 p.m.
Loaves and Fishes Family Kitchen
Goodwill Silicon Valley
1080 N. 7th St. San Jose, CA 95112
408-998-1500
Serving dinner on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
All are welcome to bring containers and take extra food to go.
Additional South Bay Resources
Food program at Antioch Baptist Church, 268 E.Julian St., San Jose.
Mobile/Internet Resources
If you or someone in your household is low-income and is a citizen/legal permanent resident/has a CA ID, you may be eligible for a free cell phone with unlimited minutes, text and wifi-access.
iGrad Financial Literacy
SJSU Cares has partnered with Financial & Scholarship Office to help students access this customized tool to increase financial literacy. Visit our iGrad page now.
