This winter quarter, the DASB Student Rights and Services Committee has restarted Campus Cupboard, a program that distributes food packages to low-income students. The program is run in collaboration with The Institute of Community and Civic Engagement, with food provided by West Valley Community Services.

The Campus Cupboard project started two years ago but was subsequently neglected. Meera Suresh, chair of DASB Student Rights and Services, was asked to revive the program.

“There’s a significant low-income student population at De Anza, and it’s unfortunate that a lot of these students go to classes starving, which impairs their ability to concentrate in class and impedes their academic growth,” Suresh said. “Or some students just drop out of college in attempts to make money with a full time job in order to meet their financial needs.”

The food packages will be distributed twice a month and contain a variety of food such as fruit, bread, canned food and vegetables.

Suresh, 20, said the Campus Cupboard has given her an opportunity to connect with a wide range of students who endure hardship to pursue a higher education.

“It’s extremely humbling,” she said, “and I completely believe in this program that would aid these students to pursuing their dreams.”

To be eligible for the program students must hold a DASB card, be enrolled in at least six units for the current quarter, and complete the application with all required forms attached. The program will be limited to providing food to 30 students.

Applications will be available online during winter quarter. To enroll in Campus Cupboard students should visit tinyurl.com/campuscupboard or email [email protected] and include their name, phone number and questions. For more information Suresh can be reached at [email protected].