A food voucher program in development at De Anza College may make a big difference for low-income students.
De Anza Associated Student Body President Marlo Custodio brought the voucher idea to the Senate. The goal of the program is to support students who are financially challenged by providing them with a food allowance. The program would be developed by the incumbent DASB Senate after its members are sworn in.
A variety of factors will determine which students are eligible for the food voucher.
“Students would have to demonstrate a financial need first off, but at the same time candidates will be awarded based on other criteria,” Custodio said. These criteria include involvement in extracurricular activities, units taken and whether the student has a DASB card.
“We want to make sure that the students who would be awarded are those who are at school taking a high course load and are involved,” Custodio said.
AB540 students (undocumented immigrant students) will be able to apply for the food vouchers, as they may not be able to apply to other programs available to other students.
“We wanted to help that one student who is at De Anza all day,” Custodio said. “It would make a big difference because a person who would qualify would not have the added stress of funding their meals and can look at other expenses instead.”
Students Gaby Locks, Joey Certeza, and Victoria Bourdon said they were pleased to hear about the initiative.
“It’s a great program in theory because we are all struggling right now. Students would like it and I like it … You are paying less for food,” said Locke.
“It would be freaking awesome!,” said Certeza.
“It is a really great idea, especially for the students who live on their own and are struggling financially,” said Bourdon.
If the food voucher initiative were to pass, a foundation account would be implemented to accept donations and sponsors.
“Those who would contribute to the account would receive a tax deduction as well. This account would also allow fundraising to take place,” said Custodio.
