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 Partners and the Mustang Meal Share program. 

Who Is Eligible to Receive Meal Vouchers? 

Students presently experiencing financial hardship or food insecurity are welcome to apply 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. 

How do I apply?

Because available funds have been fully allocated, the Winter 2026 Meal Voucher application is now closed.

If you're interested in being added to a waitlist in case there is additional funding that becomes available, please fill out the waitlist form. If additional funding becomes available, we will reach out if you joined the waitlist.

The Spring 2026 Meal Voucher application will open on March 30th, 2026 at 8am.

If you need urgent food resource support, please reach out to the Basic Needs Coordinator at mpere148@calpoly.edu or review the resources below. 

When and Where Can I use my Meal Voucher? 

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: 

1901 Marketplace & UU Area: 1901 Kitchen, Chick-Fil-A, Panda Express, Pico's, PolyChoice, Pom & Honey, Red Radish, Shake Smart, UU Market

Kennedy Library Area: Campus Market, Health Shack, Subway - Dexter

Poly Canyon Village: Einstein's Bagels, Subway -PCV, Taco Bell

Vista Grande Area: Balance, Brunch, Grand Ave Market, Hearth, Jamba Juice, Mingle & Nosh, Noodles, Streats, Sweet Bar, VG Express

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 6:00PM. The Food Pantry is in the ground 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: mpere148@calpoly.edu