According to the Triton Food Pantry Facebook page, "the mission of the Triton Food Pantry is to…read moreprovide a discreet service to UCSD students in need of food. Our goals are to ensure that every student has enough energy to get through the day and that no student needs to give up a single meal for any reason. We aim to build a network of resources and awareness about food insecurity." Food insecurity is a real thing on college campuses across the country. A Univ. of Calif. study found about 23% of UC students experienced low food security. Who doesn't recall their collegiate days where Top Ramen was a dining mainstay? But in Feb. 2015, all that changed when UCSD opened up it's Triton Food Pantry on the first floor of the old Student Center. All registered undergraduate and graduate students with a valid UCSD identification card can stop by and confidentially pick up groceries, as needed. Every student gets 10 points per week and one visit per week. With those points, they are able to select food & every item has a different value. Today, more than 250 students per week visit the Pantry. It is stocked with supplies bought in bulk at the San Diego Food Bank. Donations from students through the Swipes for the Homeless also fund the program, which allow students to donate unused dining dollars to other students in need. The Triton Pantry joins a network of other food pantries that have been established at other UC campuses throughout California. Why I gave this project 5 YELP STARS is that it is an excellent example of students, with the help of collaborative campus administrators, coming together to help other students. UCSD people: don't suffer in silence if you need some food. Go check out this Food Pantry. There is no shame in this game! :)

The Triton Food Pantry has helped me so much. It's not easy to focus on school, work, and…read morerelationships when you're hungry and not sure how you'll make rent, let alone buy groceries. The Pantry lets you come in every week and "spend" your alloted 10 points on pantry staples such as pasta, rice, beans, canned soup, protein bars, etc. Produce, which comes pretty frequently and in great condition, is free as long as you show your ID card! It may not seem like that much, but having an extra couple pounds of grains and some fresh produce really helps when you're eating ramen every day! Oh, and the staff are SUPER friendly and helpful. It's a really nice space, and I couldn't be more thankful for it. :)

The San Diego Food Bank, North County Food Bank Senior Food Program is an USDA sponsored program…read morefor low income seniors 60+ years old. Pickup is on the 3rd Monday each month in Escondido. Very organized and helpful staff. The food provided is plentiful, with canned goods and fresh fruits and vegetables. The canned goods are varied and offer many options for a meal. Wonderful service for the local seniors. To enter the line for pickup, forms on Park Avenue, turning right after the American Legion. Use caution when waiting and follow the directions of the staff carefully. The food provided is free of charge when you qualify.

It was my first time volunteering here and won't be the last!…read more There is free parking lot for volunteers. Once you check in, they ask for your last name and you enter the room and sit there for the brief orientation. The day I came to volunteer, they started about 15-20 minutes late. This volunteer shift was only 2 hours. It was an assembly line and it was a lot of fun but very very fast pace. I appreciate the big fan because it got hot quick. I did get a cut on my finger and was able to take a short break to put a band aid on it. Everyone there was nice. Once the volunteer shift is done, they will tell you how many boxes of food was filled. And that day, we did 600 boxes! Whenever I'm back in town, I will volunteer again!

Peoples are very kind and manners. They are great help especially when you are very down to bottom…read moreof your life. No shame to ask for food when you are in trouble to buy food. Just ask them. Thank you for help from our community

As of today October 23rd the government shut down all food banks including this one I have been to…read moreall in the area using the last of my gas and have no food starving to death and it's permanently CLOSED

I'm Blessed to be able to be a Volunteer for this Organization that serves Hot Meals Disabled and…read morealso to Elderly People that Can't get out buy Groceries or that Can't Cook for themselves. God Bless You Ruth

Horrible they pushed my disabled girlfriend and refused a service because we were early I told him…read moreI had an appointment and this came from the pathetic manager I should look up the county number to report them it seems like they're holding food for people they think need it his friends or you can't get food there with or without an appointment until 12:30 but they're open at 11:30 with appointments and they don't honor them last three times the food was old and spoiled the first time was great and never the same after that I'm going to go to a different one for sure it's not worth the abuse they yelled at me the last three times I was there and think they own the city sidewalk told me I can't stand on the sidewalk

They deliver produce to a local community center in Linda Vista. They grow all the food themselves…read moreright here in the community using other peoples space. Seems smart. I wish I had the space at my house for them to come use the space

From the owner: Our business specializes in giving individual households, commercial properties, and educational…read morespaces the knowledge and infrastructure to combat local food-insecurity and reduce their negative impact on the environment. Urban micro-farms are the future, let's make sure it is equitable, AND sustainable.

I definitely will be returning!…read more It is true that half of the food there is turning bad, but don't let that discourage you from going. I got a bunch of food that was useable and really good here! I'm so glad I came because they gave me and my boyfriend meat that we have never had before and it was so delicious when I cooked it! Not everything there is free. The front section is stuff that you pay for. The line isn't as long as social media was trying to make it seem. They also let you take food to share with family, neighbors, and friends. That's extremely kind of them. I don't regret coming here.

Quick context- i am disabled and suffer from cognitive and physical limitations. I am low income,…read moreand didnt quite have the mandatory $50 to spend but i wanted to pay at least half of that to get fewer items... Going through a rough time today, went by several pantries and food banks. Turns out that Thursday is a popular day to not distribute any food. I was advised to come by here and that the people here are nice and accommodating. I arrived and was immediately assisted by an older woman whom was very kind and sweet, she directed me to a desk area where an annoyed looking younger woman sat, whom looked and sound like she didn't want to be bothered and was trying to get people out of her hair. When it came time to ask i attempt to ask if I can pay "half for less" and she told me its only 50 they dont offer any other help it is what it is and she couldn't direct me anywhere else. She said she can charge per item but I would end up paying more. I was stunned at the lack of dignity I recieved here....from this worker in particular. She was rude up until I didn't want to even try anymore, at that point she told me byyeeeee have a blessed day! I had brought with me paperwork and everything to show I was disabled and in need just to get by for the remainder of the week but I felt super unwelcome.

This is a great community endeavor that helps ALL of the participants! I have encouraged others to…read more"get involved."

From the owner: Our nonprofit's aim is to help people reduce their cost on food, making those funds available to…read morepay other bills.