Nutritional Resources
One of our goals of COSWB is to provide students with easy access to all of the nutritional resources UCSB offers, as well as give students ideas for their nutritional benefit. Below you can find some nutritional resources through UCSB.
CalFresh
CalFresh is a federally funded nutritional assistance program that provides eligible participants with up to $281 each month to spend on groceries. CalFresh makes healthy eating more accessible, allowing students to stretch their food budgets and create more nutritious diets. Click here to learn more about Calfresh eligibility and application procedures.
Basic Needs Peer Advisors & Calfresh Advocates
These peer mentors are well-versed with the CalFresh program and are available to walk you through the application process. If you’re not eligible for CalFresh, you’re still urged to meet with an Advocate as they can help identify alternate food, housing, and financial resources. Click here to learn how to connect with an Advocate.
Food Pantries
Students have several options – both on campus and within the community – to access staple items, fresh produce, and other necessities for a healthy, nutritious diet. Between the A.S. Food Bank, Miramar Pantry, and other locations spread throughout Isla Vista and Santa Barbara, students can locate a food pantry that best fits their needs and schedule. Find locations and hours here.
Groceries
Finding groceries that are affordable and easily accessible can be hard to do when you’re on a college budget. Luckily, places such as the Isla Vista Food Co-op offer high quality, affordable selections. Other resources, like the Grocery Rideshare Facebook Page and the Fresh EBT App, can ease the process of getting inexpensive ingredients for healthy cooking. Read more about the Isla Vista Food Co-op here.
Prepared Meals
As a college student, you may not always have the time nor resources to prepare meals for yourself. To address this, utilize any of the several places within the local community that offer free meals to students. Alternatively, consider Residential Dining Services as an option for consistent access to prepared food. Find your options here.
Cooking & Nutrition
It’s never too late to learn about food preparation, nutrition, grocery shopping, or budgeting. As college students, these basics serve as the foundation for securing a healthy, balanced diet. Through programs like Food, Nutrition, and Basic Skills (FNBS), students can gain such knowledge through hands-on workshops and demonstrations. Find out when the next event is here.
For delicious, easy, and affordable recipes, click HERE.
Cooking on a Budget
Cooking meals can be easier and more affordable than you may think. When you prepare meals in your own kitchen or outdoors on the grill, you’ll usually save money, but setting a budget and planning meals carefully can make home cooking even more affordable. Click here for some helpful advice!
Intuitive Eating on a Budget
The good news is that a well-balanced diet that’s full of whole nutrients doesn’t have to be boring or unaffordable. Check out the tips here to learn more about eating on a budget!
USDA
USDA’s mission is to increase food security and reduce hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and low-income people access to food, a healthy diet and nutrition education in a manner that supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence.
Money-Saving Health and Fitness Tips
Shoutout to Bre who just earned her Staying Fit Girl Scout Badge and used these resources below! She wanted to share another resource that’s helped her a bunch: Money-Saving Health & Fitness Tips. Thank you Bre!