CPO Basic & Essential Needs Collective History
2008: The Great Recession and Its Impact on Students
The global economic downturn during the Great Recession of 2008 led to widespread financial hardship among students, including increased hunger and homelessness.
2008-2009: Immediate Response to Student Needs
In response to the growing needs, Abdallah Jadallah, a student leader of the Muslim Student Association (MSA), collaborated with CPO Director Antonio Sandoval Ayala to establish the CPO Food Closet—the first food pantry in the University of California system. Janet E. Brown, the founding director of the Writing Success Program (WSP), was the Food Closet’s first donor. Tragically, Ms. Brown passed away three months later.
2010: Addressing Challenges of Hunger and Commuter Needs
The CPO Commuter Van Service was launched to provide free rides for students with long commutes, reducing homelessness by preventing students from living in unstable conditions. The 580 Café also opened, offering free meals, kitchen access, and fostering community and conversation. Additionally, the FITTED (Fitness Improvement Training Through Exercise and Diet) project, led by Selina Johnson and Antonio Sandoval Ayala with support from Mick Deluca, began providing nutrition education and promoting affordable, balanced meal preparation.
2014-2015: Systemwide Focus on Student Hunger
UC President Janet Napolitano launched the Global Food Initiative (GFI) to tackle global hunger by 2025. At UCLA, the Basic & Essential Needs Committee (formerly the Food Security Work Group), chaired by Antonio Sandoval Ayala, supported efforts to address hunger on campus.
2015-2016: Amplifying Student Advocacy
CPO student leaders, including Angel Garfio, Gabriel Gutierrez, Robert Jackson, Jazz Kiang, Isai Madrid, Denise Marshall, Susan Martinez, Lila Reyes, Pimlada Tantiwuttipong, Evelyn Tran, Lenh Voong, and Richard White, spearheaded the SJR Referendum of 2016. This student-led campaign successfully raised additional funds for services supporting minoritized students, securing $0.50 per quarter for the CPO Food Closet.
2016-2017: Expanding Services to Meet Demand
To meet growing needs, the CPO Food Closet underwent renovations to increase storage and refrigeration capacity. New initiatives, including the Grocery Bundle Program, Food Box Giveaways, and Grocery Shuttle Program, were introduced to enhance food access. The CPO CalFresh Initiative also commenced during this time.
2017-2018: Launch of the Food Closet Annex
The expansion of the CPO Food Closet included a new “Food Closet Annex,” designed to store more perishable and non-perishable items, further supporting students.
2019: Celebrating a Decade of Service
The CPO Food Closet marked its 10th anniversary in November 2019, commemorating its impact on student hunger with a celebratory event and a gathering of UC Basic & Essential Needs Centers. This milestone highlighted the Food Closet’s ongoing dedication to serving Bruins and included discussions on the future of basic needs programs across the UC system.
2020-2021: Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the pandemic, the CPO launched the Online Food Card Program, distributing $300 in food cards to over 1,000 students each quarter. Expanded food distribution programs, including the Turkey Box and Holiday Box Giveaways, served students, professional students, staff, and retirees. Events were operated from Lot 36, near Wilshire Blvd and Veteran Avenue.
2021-2022: Launching New Initiatives
The BruinHub opened in September 2021 to support commuter students and those facing homelessness. The Food Closet On the Go! Mobile Food Cart Program began, enhancing food accessibility on campus. In collaboration with the UCLA Basic & Essential Needs Committee, the CPO CalFresh Initiative successfully advocated for SNAP benefits at the Market at the Student Union, launching in Fall 2022.
2022: Establishing the CPO Basic & Essential Needs Collective
The 121 Corridor was transformed into the CPO Basic & Essential Needs Collective, providing students access to a computer lab, student lounge, and expanded pantry services. By Fall 2024, refrigerated lockers will be added to the Collective, offering students a space to store medication, Food Closet produce, or meals brought from home.
