Achieving higher education is a respectable feat. It marks hard work, dedication, and growth. In modern days, higher education has become a signifier of financial burden. For students struggling to pay their way through college, tuition and textbook fees can strain on budgets for basic needs items such as personal care and groceries.
This is especially true for California college students. A 2025 UCLA research study revealed that 71% of students at California community colleges reported being food insecure, followed by 50% of Cal State students and 42% of UC students. Food insecurity also has been shown to further disrupt a student’s workload through its negative effects on grade point averages and rates of anxiety, depression and stress.
Thankfully, there are many options available to Sierra students and those in the greater Foothills area.
Foothills’ Fight Against Food Insecurity
The Feeding the Foothills organization is Placer, El Dorado and Nevada County’s very own community resource for those struggling to find meals for themselves and their families. On the last Friday of each month, the organization hosts their trademark PantryToGo food distributions for hundreds of community members.
The tri-county food bank also works daily to administer food to community programs such as senior homes, schools, pantries, churches and community centers for a total of 60-70 partnerships. There are 10 PantryToGo distributions each month.
“We’re in Rocklin today. Some of us go to Roseville, Sheridan, Lincoln, Colfax. There’s even Placerville, Forest Hill, Pollock Pines, Georgetown,” said Dean, a 2-year volunteer. He said:
“If you are short on food, don’t be shy about coming here. Don’t feel bad. There are multiple sites- each site is once a month. You can go to Roseville and Rocklin and Sheridan, as much food as you need. Don’t go without food.”
At Sierra College’s Rocklin campus, Feeding the Foothills distributes food to the Food Pantry located in the Basic Needs Center, next door to the student bookstore.
No More Student Struggle Meals
Sierra College provides a variety of services to aid students in attaining basic needs. Basic needs services cover items and services required for good quality living: nutrition, transportation, mental health, childcare and housing. Enrolled students at both the Rocklin and Nevada County Sierra College campuses have access to the respective Food Pantries on campus. Representatives and staff at the Basic Needs Center can assist students with applying for CalFresh (also known as SNAP) benefits as well as accessing and using benefits.
The Food Pantry is stocked with non-perishable goods and hygiene items. Students can simply visit once each week and grab groceries after class, free of cost. Student employees and staff are typically available to guide first-timers at the food pantry.
When you come in you can expect to receive a reusable bag, which you are encouraged to bring each time you come back. “Please take as much food as you need for the week, but pay attention to item limits. You can take up to two of most food items. Any items with different limits will be posted,” reads the Basic Need Center webpage. After you’ve finished ‘shopping’ meet staff at the counter, where they will register or log your visit and help you bag your items.
The Hands that Feed
At the 2025 November Rocklin distribution, volunteers handed out fresh produce and baked goods. The monthly PantryToGo distributions make a more nutritious meal accessible.
Produce is purchased through CalFresh funds and cash donations. Items such as sliced bread and donuts are received from retail recovery; excess food donated by local grocery stores and food chains.
Deb Miguel stressed the focus her team has on providing quality food. She said, “We’re providing not only nourishment; it’s a dignity.”
All donated food is sorted and quality-checked before being served to the community. “These are our neighbors,” said Shatonia Chavez, a program support specialist with over 15 years of service with Feeding The Foothills. Volunteer Miguel said:
“It can change at any point; [you] can become a receiver instead of a giver.”
Volunteers can apply online to provide helping hands. F.T.F. has various options to donate. F.T.F. hosts fundraising events such as Online Fund, Food Drives, Corporate Volunteer Partnerships, Monthly Giving and Bingo events. All are welcome; signups are flexible, and the only requirements are open arms.
To learn more about these food distribution services, go to feedingthefoothills.org. Find more local food services through 211 Placer’s Placer County Food Resources.
Reported, Photographed and Written by Nia Marin
