Did you know Palomar students have access to free groceries, hygiene products, diapers, period products, snacks, and other essential resources on campus?
The Food and Nutrition Center (FNC) provides a variety of fresh produce, pantry staples, ready-to-eat foods, frozen items, and basic needs support to help students stay healthy and successful in school.
Students must be enrolled in at least one class to access services.
Summer 2026 Operating Hours
Summer Closure Notice
The Food and Nutrition Center will be temporarily closed and will reopen on June 15, 2026.
Monday – Wednesday: 9:00am – 1:00pm (Closed on Thursdays and Fridays)
Located in SU-40 at the Palomar College San Marcos Center
Looking for additional food resources? Visit San Diego Food Bank or Feeding San Diego to find free food distribution sites across San Diego County.
The Food and Nutrition Center Services
- Up to 20lbs of free groceries per month
- Diaper Program for students with dependent children (50 per month for each child)
- Free hygiene and period products
- Free Snacks (Grab N’ Go Fridges)
- Campus Care Lockers for after-hours food and hygine items pickup
- CalFresh information and application assistance with a CalFresh Ambassador.
- Weekly service to Escondido, Fallbrook and Rancho Bernardo Educational Centers
- Assists with resource referrals
- Farmer Markets (Free Food Events)
Contact Information
Student Life and Leadership – Basic Needs at basicneeds@palomar.edu or call 760-744-1150 ext. 2820
Community Resources
Food Distribution Resources (local): Food Locator (enter your city/town in the search bar)
General Food Assistance (English) (Español)
Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP)
Diaper Distribution Information: (English) (Español)
Find Help (a variety of community resources can be found at this site)
Family Support Program (No Cost)
San Diego County Health and Human Services
San Diego Hunger Coalition
CalFresh Updates
CalFresh Assistance: Please fill out this form to schedule an appointment with a CalFresh Ambassador.
TrueCare can help people with applying for CalFresh, along with other public benefit applications in most languages through their translation service line. To receive assistance, please call (760) 736-6734 or visit their website to request assistance.
Guide to using CalFresh benefits
EatFresh.org Mini Course (recipes and nutrition information)
Leah’s Pantry YouTube (online food education and ideas)