Ponderosa Pantry operates in partnership with ATCAA, a local food bank dedicated to ending hunger for everyone in Tuolumne County. Ponderosa Pantry pickup dates, shown below, are when we receive fresh monthly deliveries from ATCAA, but access to the pantry is available during all regular Student Center hours, M-F 8:00am-4:30pm.
For more information about food resources around campus, check out our Food Resources page or pick up the below brochure around campus locations:
Students who participate in certain college programs have access to support with food in various ways: gift cards, food closets, etc. Some of these programs include (but are not Limited to): EOPS, CARE, Fostering Forward, Dream Resource Center, and CaLWORKS support* (based on each student's situation) Students who are interested in these programs should reach out to the Information Desk in the Manzanita building to be directed to the proper staff person.
Columbia College Basic Needs staff are available to assist students in navigating on-campus and community resources related to supporting basic needs such as: housing, food, transportation, child care, employment, finances, medical, mental health, personal care and more. Students can check out the Columbia College Basic Needs web page to view resources related to basic needs.
To set up a Basic Needs Intake session for assistance in these areas:
Last names A-L Call: (209) 588-5105
Last names M-Z Call: (209) 588-5272 Email: ccbasicneeds@yosemite.edu
Provides Students with food and basic meal necessities. Students can pick up food at the Student Center in the Ponderosa building
There are free snack baskets on campus in teh following areas:
Students can utilize the full kitchen Located in the Student Center inside the Ponderosa building. Students can heat up food or store food in the fridge.
The Lakeside Cafe is Located in Lower manzanita and has made-to-order sandwiches, grab-and-go items, snacks, and drinks.
The Cellar Bistro is a Laboratory Learning site for Columbia College Hospitality Management students. The bistro occasionally offers Lunch or dinner services depending on the semester. It is Located on the first floor of the Manzanita building.
There are various places on campus where students can use microwaves to heat up food brought from home.
Check the following spots on campus for microwaves:
Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA) serves Amador, Calaveras & Tuolumne Counties. Check the ATCAA web page or call to Learn more about community food bank distribution sites, free community dinners, farmers markets, and emergency food assistance opportunities.
Phone: (209) 984-3960
CalFresh is a government program available to help meet the basic needs of Californians by providing monthly monetary benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Columbia College Basic Needs Staff can assist students with applying and Learning more about eligiblity requirements.
Preparing for a long day of classes includes making a game plan for how you're going to feed yourself for the day. Visit the website, EatFresh sponsored by CalFresh for a library of healthy recipes to choose from and information about staying healthy.
EatFresh has healthy living advice regarding stress management, physical activity, general cooking and nutrition tips, disease prevention, and more. Anyone can access the information on EatFresh-not just CalFresh benefits recipients.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| November 4,2026 | 1:00 - 4:00PM | Student Center (Ponderosa building) |
| November 5, 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00PM | Student Center (Ponderosa building) |
| November 18, 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00PM | Student Center (Ponderosa building) |
| November 19, 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00PM | Student Center (Ponderosa building) |
| December 2, 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00PM | Student Center (Ponderosa building) |
| December 3, 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00PM | Student Center (Ponderosa building) |
| December 16, 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00PM | Student Center (Ponderosa building) |
| December 17, 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00PM | Student Center (Ponderosa building) |
The mission of Columbia College's Ponderosa Pantry is to provide food and basic meal necessities through a collaborative effort that starts with our students on campus and extends throughout the community. We are committed to providing resource eligibility information that begins with procuring food and essentials for any student in a moment of need. Whether finding the next meal, groceries for the week, or stretching a pay check, Columbia College strives for every student to make sustainable food connections. While maintaining a community food bank on behalf of our partnering agencies, Ponderosa Pantry serves as the starting point for more informed and educated access to food, nutrition, and budgeting resources for healthy living.
