Meal Voucher

What is the Meal Voucher Program? 

The Meal Voucher Program, administered by Cal Poly Basic Needs, is a financial need-based program that provides students with additional funds for meals at certain on campus dining locations. The Meal Voucher Program is funded by donations from Cal Poly Campus Dining and the Mustang Meal Share program.  

• Eligible students will receive $200 per quarter. 

• Eligible undocumented/AB540 students will receive $500 per quarter. 

Who Is Eligible to Receive Meal Vouchers? 

Students presently experiencing financial hardship or food insecurity are welcome to apply here on a quarter-by-quarter basis. Meal Vouchers are most often awarded to students with high financial need based on their financial aid package. Additional information may be requested from students who do not demonstrate high financial need via their FAFSA or CA Dream Act application.  

Students with a meal plan are not eligible for the Meal Voucher program. 

 

When and Where Can I use my Meal Voucher? 

Meal Voucher applications are open now. If approved, funds should be loaded on your Poly Card within 2 weeks.  

Funds can carry over to the following quarter, but funds remaining at the end of spring quarter will not roll over to the next academic year.  

Meal Voucher funds can be used at the following locations:  

Campus Market, Health Shack, Mustang Eats, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Village Market, Mustang Station, Red Radish, UU Market, Vista Grande, Subway, ShakeSmart, Pico’s, Red Radish, Pom & Honey, Poly Deli, and Chick-Fil-A.

The Meal Voucher Application is currently available here.

 

What if I have questions about the Meal Voucher Program? 

Please email mealvoucher@calpoly.edu 

 

What Other Food Resources Are Available to Me? 

Cal Poly Food Pantry  

The Cal Poly Food Pantry is open Monday-Friday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM. The Food Pantry is in the lower level of the Health Center and ensures that all students have access to nutritious meals. Thanks to our partnership with the SLO Food Bank, generous donors, and a community of volunteers, students can choose from a variety of fresh produce, packaged and canned foods, frozen meals, and personal hygiene products. Food Pantry staff can also connect students with additional food resources.  

Cal Fresh  

CalFresh is the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that provides money to eligible students on an EBT card (like a debit card) that can be used at grocery stores or farmers’ markets to help students in access enough quality food. If you have not applied for CalFresh, this is the time! CalFresh benefits can help get you up to $291/ month for groceries. The student support team is available all year long to help you access food resources, answer your questions, and help you apply for CalFresh benefits. Drop-in hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, however online appointments are easy and accessible by visiting calfreshcalpoly.org.   

SLO Food Bank 

The SLO Food Bank has many convenient locations, including the recurring monthly free grocery distributions, which occur the 4th Tuesday of every month from 3:30-5:30 on the Health Center Lawn.  

For additional support, please contact: 

Cal Poly Basic Needs Coordinator 
Email: hasteen@calpoly.edu