This article was updated on Sept. 22, 2025 at 10:21 p.m. for clarity.
Story by Dima Halwani, Staff Writer
Photo by Gabi Garcia, Graphic Designer
At the beginning of the fall semester, many students expressed both surprise and confusion regarding Cypress College’s decision to cancel the Food Pass. The program began in August 2023 and served as an important source of support for the student body. Its sudden removal is a significant challenge that directly affects student life on campus.
Director of Campus Communications, Marc Posner, said “The food pass originally came from federal funding during the COVID era. When COVID first hit, the federal government gave money for resources, and Cypress College chose to create the Food Pass. Unfortunately, that funding was temporary. There is also no state or local funding currently available to keep the program going.”
The Food Pass was a reloadable $12 card for meals, drinks, and snacks all from the Charger Cafe. Students could pick up their pass at the beginning of each semester in front of the Charger Cafe because the student ID cards couldn’t be programmed to reload the dollar amount each day.
Students have shared concerns about the high food prices in the cafeteria. Ollie Montano, a student said, “The food here is way too expensive. I came from Fullerton College, and over there, they still have the Food Pass. We had a $5 limit on the types of food we could get. But over here? You have to pay double the price…”
Posner said that the college is not responsible for the cost of the food items since all the food is provided through an outside vendor, but that the college has been reviewing the food vendor contract alongside finding new funding for the program. He urged students to get involved by reaching out to Student Life and Leadership.
Jenny Vu, a first year student said, “I really think the Food Pass should be available here. We’re college students just trying to get by, and the food is a bit pricey for the quality. There aren’t many options either. This is my first year here… I hope that maybe next semester they bring it back.”
Other troubles students had when the program was still available were the long lines. That issue was only improved as students began choosing other ways to get food in between classes or eating nothing at all since the cafeteria hours weren’t accommodating to students who were on campus later in the day.
Cypress tried to provide more options for students to receive hot meals with the addition of Foodture vending machines around campus. These machines have a variety of choices for students to pick from, but again the expense is too high for the quality for many students.
Joseph Park, a first-year student, said his classmates have experienced the program’s benefits and he hoped to have that same advantage this semester but with the cutting of the program he won’t be able to.
Posner said the college will continue to advocate with the state to receive their support in reinstating the program. He also recommended for students to seek more information about the other ways they can get help through the Basic Needs Resource Center and the Food Pantry.
For more information about the different options available to students to access food, visit the Cypress College Food Pantry website. https://www.cypresscollege.edu/student-life/student-activities/food-bank/
