Pandemics, among other global disasters, can strike at any given moment. “I don’t think it’s super crucial as long as you have someone in your household who is able to acquire more resources,” Isaac Le, 18, communications major said. For those that don’t, Mt. SAC has a variety of different resources available for students in need. All, if not most, resources can be found on the school’s official website.

The college offers multiple wells of information on its website, including the Student Services forums, the Student Health and Wellness tab, and lastly the Mountie Fresh Food Pantry. All selections can be found through navigation to the Campus-life tab on the homepage.

The college also holds weekly Zoom Q&A forums hosted by Vice President of Student Services, Audrey Yamagata-Noji on Wednesdays at noon. At the forum, students can speak with Student Services to ask any questions they might have. Students in need of disability-related accommodations such as sign language interpreter, note-taker, real-time captioning, should contact the Vice President’s Office of Student Services, at [email protected], at least 5 days in advance.

The Student Health and Wellness tab contains links for Basic Needs Resources, and the Student Health Center for minor medical and mental support. Another reliable resource is the Mountie Fresh Food Pantry for food and support. “Food insecurity is a common taboo issue amongst students on campus,” said Hector Campos, an InReach Student Ambassador who has worked handing out food at the Fresh Food Pantry. “We truly never really know what battles people are silently fighting but whatever the case is, nobody should have to go to class worried about their next meal,” he said.

Although the Food Pantry does not supply students with free meals like most high schools and elementary schools, according to Campos, in the past they have prepped kits for students who are experiencing housing insecurities and are in need of toiletries and hygienic products. Campos said that the Basic Needs Department oversees the Food Pantry program, which also has the resources needed in helping a student find a place to live. “The Basic Needs Department acts like a middleman in referring the student to resources already available,” Campos said.

The Basic Needs department at Mt. Sac also offers food vouchers. While campus is open, vouchers may be redeemed at any food place on campus including Stop Shops and Starbucks.