Open Pantry Hours
Our food pantries are open at both locations, Monday-Thursday, 10:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm
(+4:00pm-6:00pm the first week of classes and finals week)
Pantry Closed? Food is Still Available!
Resource Spots:
-Visual, Applied, & Performing Arts Complex (VAPA)
-Computer Technology Center (CTC)
-Gymnasium
-Wellness Education Center (WEC)
-The Welcome Center
-The Hub Resource Learning Center
-Integrated Learning Center (ILC) (Watsonville)
Fresh Markets
In collaboration with Second Harvest Food Bank, Fresh Markets provide free, accessible food distribution to support all students’ basic needs in a welcoming, community-centered environment.
Students may receive assistance with completing CalFresh, Medi-Cal, & CalWORKS applications during the FIRST Fresh Market of each month on BOTH campuses.
Students may receive affordable housing assistance at EVERY Fresh Market at the Watsonville Center from Collins Housing Solutions.
We Are Here For You
- Aptos Fresh MarketsAptos Library Plaza | 9:30 – 11:00 AM
Monday, February 9
Monday, February 23
Monday, March 9
Monday, March 30
Monday, April 13
Monday, April 27
Monday, May 11
- Watsonville Fresh MarketsWatsonville NEST (Classroom A140) | 11:00 - 12:30 PM
Wednesday, February 11
Wednesday, February 25
Wednesday, March 11
Wednesday, April 1
Wednesday, April 15
Wednesday, April 29
Wednesday, May 13
- Support with CalFresh, Medi-Cal, & CalWORKS ApplicationsApplication Support
Available at the FIRST Fresh Market of each month and virtually at any time Upon Request
In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank
- Support with Housing NavigationHousing Assistance
Watsonville - Available at ALL Watsonville Fresh Markets (and after each market until 3pm)
Aptos - Mondays and Thursdays from 10pm-12pm and 1pm-3pm
In partnership with Collins Housing Solutions
- Free Tax Help & Filing Services Available for StudentsTax Prep Services
Project SCOUT offers free tax assistance to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents of Santa Cruz County, including students. Support is available by appointment, either remotely or in person at participating libraries
To make an appointment or ask questions:
Call: 831-724-2606
Email: projectscout@seniorscouncil.org or scoutfsa@gmail.com
Appointments may also be made through the Library Information Desk at 831-427-7713 or by visiting the Downtown, Aptos, Felton, or Capitola library branches
Free Online Filing Option:
United Way of California’s MyFreeTaxes.org program connects eligible individuals and families to free, secure tax filing tools and support, helping Californians access important tax credits.
Upcoming & Ongoing Programs
National Student Parent Month
Month of September
September is designated as National Student Parent Month, and we will offer programs and activities throughout the month to uplift, celebrate, and support student parents and families. More details will be shared as September approaches.
Chef’s in the NEST & Food Tastings
Once Per Semester
NEST hosts Chef’s in the NEST, a hands-on program where students cook alongside one another to prepare a full meal using pantry-available ingredients. The focus is on building confidence, practical cooking skills, and connection through shared food experiences.
Twice a Month
During open pantry hours, find Food Tasting in the NEST. These brief tastings offer ready-made samples of seasonal produce or simple pantry-based dishes, designed to spark ideas and make trying something new easy and approachable.
Collaborate With Us!
We are always excited to collaborate with students, student organizations, campus partners, and community partners on programs that align with our mission and support student success.
If you are interested in co-creating a program, we encourage you to reach out and connect with our team.