The Viking Vault food pantry has remained largely empty by mid-week for the past two months, reminiscent of empty market shelves during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The food insecurity situation on-campus has not improved. The cafeteria remains shuttered. Other food options, such as the bakery, bistro and food trucks, remain out of the affordable price range for many students.
Anthony Vargas, a second semester Business Administration student, is grateful for the Viking Vault yet equally frustrated with the bare shelves.
“It sucks or whatever, but there’s not much I can do about it. I just try to work with what we got,” Vargas said. “I would like to see the (school) administration provide more funding to keep the shelves stocked and maybe provide healthier food options.”
Justin Mendez, Director of Basic Needs and CASA program, stated that demand for the Viking Vault has peaked for the spring term, as the pantry serviced nearly 1,600 visitors weekly (approximately 400 per day).
“We have been getting a delivery on Monday, an additional delivery on Tuesday and then picking up more food on Wednesday. By the end of the day, it’s going out,” Mendez said.
Mendez is grateful that students and community members are aware of the resource, yet feels the situation on-campus is adding to the pantry’s traffic.
“I think that the lack of availability of affordable food options is a contributing factor. I’m not saying that’s the only reason: you know, because who doesn’t like free food?”, said Mendez.
Mendez also mentioned off-campus factors, which is driving community members to the pantry.
“It goes beyond our campus: it’s general inflation, the cost of eggs is up to $7. We have a partnership with the LA Food Bank and don’t like turning people away”, Mendez said.
Mendez acknowledged the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office for providing the Basic Needs program with funding, along with Student Equity, and additional support from Executive Vice President Dr. Nohel Corral.
Past hot meal events have been sponsored by community organizations such as the Bixby Business Association, the Port of Long Beach, Lola’s Restaurant, and others, though these partnerships are infrequent and spontaneous.
Mendez shared that the Basic Needs program temporarily partnered with the Culinary Arts program during COVID-19, and loved the collaboration because it helped resolve two campus issues: providing homeless students with meals and providing culinary students an opportunity to complete required coursework and hone their craft.
Mendez encourages students to approach the District with similar ideas for partnership or opportunities to address the on-campus food insecurity issue by emailing basicneeds@lbcc.edu.