The Emergency Meal Card (EMC) Program is designed to provide immediate short-term access to meals for students facing unforeseen circumstances that hinder their ability to secure food. It is intended to bridge the gap during a crisis, providing immediate food access while connecting students with long-term solutions. Recognizing that situations such as (but not limited to) job loss, transitional housing, or power shutdowns can severely limit access to necessary nourishment, this program serves as a vital resource for those in need.
This community meal-sharing program helps elevate student food security by providing free meals at Monarca Dining Hall and Yerba Buena Dining Hall to SF State students facing barriers accessing enough food.
This is an emergency program intended to provide a one-time support for students currently facing an unexpected crisis that directly impacts their ability to access food. Given this is an emergency and limited resource, it is not able or intended to be a long-term resource for food security, to supplement to a meal plan, or to be used for general cost cutting. As a part of this program, we also work to connect students with additional resources to support their ongoing food access and security.
Notice: This program is active during the fall and spring semesters only. Meal card applications, and pick-ups, will be closed during fall and spring break periods, as well as winter and summer sessions due to dining hall closures.
- This is an emergency program. It is not able or intended to be a long-term resource for food security, to supplement to a meal plan, or to be used for general cost cutting.
- Meal cards are intended to be a one-time resource. We also understand that folks can experience multiple unexpected crises during a semester, and in this case, we are able to approve up to two emergency meal cards per semester given other eligibility is met.
- Meal cards hold 10 meal swipes that can be used at Monarca and Yerba Buena Dining Halls on campus.
How to apply to for an Emergency Meal Card:
- Step 1- Complete the Emergency Meal Card Application
- Step 2- The Basic Needs Team will review and respond to applications within 3 business days
- Step 3- Staff will reach out, sharing the approval/denial status, or to request additional information if needed to make a determination
- Step 4- If approved, you’ll get instructions on how to pick up your meal card in the emailed approval notification
