Coffee Shop Advisory FAQ

Yes, we will provide free drip coffee and tea in the downstairs portion of the cafe. The space will also be available for students to hang out, study, and build community, while also providing a space for some programming related to basic needs (cooking demonstrations, nutrition, finance management, CalFresh workshops, etc.)

Dining supports the proposal and, if approved, we'd work closely with dining to discuss a possible loan or transfer of the equipment to the program. This has not yet been decided. However, we are committed to maintaining the space as a community hub for students to hang out and study. We want to make it open and accessible for ALL students.

Currently, the campus has grants from UC Office of the President that are specifically geared towards addressing food insecurity among our students. This issue is also supported by the state legislature, and there is funding from them to also address the issue. The cafe will be funded from these groups.

The SUA pantry exists as part of a short-term agreement with OPERS to use their space. That agreement expires in a year. The pantry is also not permanently funded and relies on annual budgeting processes of SUA. The Basic Needs Cafe will supplement the SUA pantry and will provide a longer-term solution if the SUA pantry were to close for some reason in the future.

Space is limited on campus and hard to come by. The Cowell Coffeeshop is currently operated by Dining Services in a College space. Dining and Cowell staff have agreed to review the proposal for this cafe and to solicit feedback from students. No other space on campus has been offered for this initiative... If another department came forward with space, we'd certainly consider it, but that just hasn't happened yet.

YES. We've heard over and over again that a large number of our students struggle with access to food, let alone healthy food. When you have to decide whether to pay your rent, pay for gas in your car, or buy food, it's easy to decide to skimp on food. No student should have to make these tough decisions. A basic needs cafe can provide access to healthy, nutritious food for all students, for free. The food pantry aspect will provide vegetables and fruits grown on campus, as well as ready-made meals and other grocery staples. Add free coffee and tea, basic skills workshops, and a study space, and it seems like a great recipe for student success.