By Arturo Gonzalez, March 17, 2026
The Cal Poly Pomona Poly Pantry will receive $300,000 in funding for food and hygiene products, according to Vice President for Student Affairs Christina Gonzales.
The Poly Pantry is a service that provides different types of food and personal care products for students who are in need, according to the Associated Students Inc website. In the ASI Board of Directors meeting, Gonzales said the funding is expected to start this semester, which will have a total of $150,000, while the fall 2026 semester will receive $300,000, accounting for the whole academic year.
Gonzales said the money comes from the general state funds that the campus.
“The last two ASIs have asked for this, that the campus provides some type of funding toward the pantry to show support of our students and that it’s not all coming from student fees,” Gonzales said.
The ASI Secretary of External Affairs Alejandra Lopez Sanchez said the Poly Pantry is already self-sustaining. Sanchez said she doesn’t understand why the Poly Pantry is receiving funds now when CPP is currently facing many budget cuts.
“We’re seeing transportation being cut. We’re seeing our tree center being cut. Why give money to the Poly Pantry now, when we have so many other programs suffering that could benefit from the state general fund that you’re pulling this money from?”
Gonzales said the money is strictly used for food and hygiene and is not being diverted from other programs, nor will it be used to cover staffing.
Gonzales said there are requirements for the funding and what it could be used for.
Gonzales also noted some student affair proposals that have been presented years before have been approved recently, especially because of Interim President Iris S. Levine.
“She is, I would say, kind of tying the bows on things to ensure some of the things are funded and can move forward before her term is complete and the new president arrives,” Gonzales said.
College of Environmental Design Senator Taj Morris said environmental design is working with the agricultural council to set up a farmers market around the middle of April.
“I hope this becomes a recurring event that provides discounted or free food, produce and handmade crafts,” Morris said.
In addition to upcoming events, the College of Business Senator Sydney Cong said the College of Business Administration recognition night will be held April 10. The annual event focuses on achievements from both the faculty and students in the College of Business, according to the United Business Student Senate website. There are 10 spots available, with the deadline to secure a spot with ASI being March 13. Cong said it will be $50 per person and $500 for the entire table.
Also coming soon for the College of Business Administration is the Alumni Mentoring Minutes event March 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is an opportunity for current CPP College of Business Administration students to gain insight from alumni who are successful in their career path, according to Cong.
Cong said she recommends students to attend to expand their network.
The next ASI board of directors meeting will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 12 at England Evans or via Zoom.
Feature graphic courtesy of Eddie Rangel
