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Dear IVC Desert Warriors,

We want to make you aware of how the ongoing federal government shutdown may temporarily impact CalFresh food benefits in Imperial County. During this time, Imperial Valley College is expanding food, housing, and emergency support resources on campus to help students navigate potential disruptions and stay focused on their well-being and studies.

According to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS):

• October CalFresh benefits were issued as scheduled between October 1–10, 2025.
• However, since the federal government has not reopened or funded benefits on October 23, 2025, CalFresh benefits for November may be delayed.
  

CDSS continues to provide updates on its homepage and social media channels, including an updated FAQ and the latest All County Letters.

🍎 What This Means for You

• You can still apply for CalFresh during the shutdown.
• Benefits will resume retroactively once federal funding is restored.
• CalWORKs and Medi-Cal are not currently affected but could be if the shutdown continues.

If you are a student enrolled in EOPS, CARE, NextUp, or CalWORKs and are experiencing food insecurity, please contact your program office for more information and details about available support and resources during the temporary CalFresh program halt.

🌿Expanded IVC Support and Available Resources

Our Basic Needs Center and local partners are expanding services to help ensure students have access to food, housing, and emergency support during this uncertain time.

🥫 Pantry & Food Access

• IVC's pantries are conducting a full inventory and adjusting budgets to prepare for a potential increase in student need, ensuring adequate supplies of snacks, dinner baskets, and hygiene kits
• We will continue to collaborate with the Imperial Valley Food Bank as food quantities at our monthly distributions will be increased to serve more students.
• If you don't already have a Food Bank ID card, make sure to learn how to receive your Food Bank ID card here before visiting the IV Food Bank, to begin receiving your monthly food assistance.
• If you are in need of immediate food assistance, you may be eligible for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) available at the IV Food Bank. Visit the food bank located at 486 West Aten Road in Imperial from 8A.M. to 4P.M. Monday through Friday to request your TEFAP aid.


🦃 Upcoming Student Thanksgiving Luncheon
Mark your calendars! Our Annual Student Thanksgiving Luncheon is happening Wednesday, November 12, 2025. This is one of IVC’s favorite traditions where faculty and staff come together to serve and celebrate you, our amazing students!

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Location: IVC College Center

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Open to all IVC students!

Enjoy a free meal, good music, and a chance to connect with your campus community before the holiday break. Bring your fellow classmates and join us in giving thanks the Warrior way!

🍲 Fuel for Finals Week

During Finals Week, our IVC Kitchen 1 & IVC Kitchen 2.0 will host Monday-Thursday themed days to ensure students have access to a meal or snack while studying for exams.

• Monday, 12/1 – “Scooping into Finals Monday!” 🍦 (Ice Cream Treats and Reggae Beats)
• Tuesday, 12/2 – “Beat Finals with BBQ!” 🍔 (Cool House Beats and BBQ)
• Wednesday, 12/3 – “Taco (Tackle) Finals!” 🌮 (Reggaetón and RESET) 
• Thursday, 12/4 – “Caffeinate and Celebrate!” ☕ (Coffee Truck, Chill vibes and Cookies)

💰 Emergency & Financial Support

• Emergency support funding is available for students to apply for in order to better assist students facing urgent financial or food insecurity.
• The Basic Needs team will also refer students to rental assistance programs for additional housing support.

🤝 Community Collaboration & Referrals

• The Basic Needs team is partnering with community organizations and Food Services to establish a referral system with warm handoffs.
• Resource binders will be in Room 401 and Room 4600 for immediate reference to available assistance.

📱 Stay Informed

• Visit cdss.ca.gov for the latest updates on CalFresh.
• Check your emails regularly and follow IVC on social media for campus updates, food distribution schedules, and event announcements.
  

If you are experiencing food insecurity, housing instability, or financial hardship, please reach out to IVC's Student Equity and Achievement Team. Our team is here to help you navigate this time with care, dignity, and support (located in building 401).

Always in your corner,

Imperial Valley College