Frequently Asked Questions

There are many ways you can assist SMC’s efforts:  

1. Give directly to Basic Needs via payroll deduct. SMC’s Employees Payroll Deduction is available for everyone. Please fill out the payroll deduct form and email it to foundation@smc.edu. Payroll deductions occur monthly for 10 months (September-June). Please indicate on the form that you would like your contribution earmarked for Basic Needs.
2. Donate via check or credit card to SMC Foundation’s Basic Needs Fund;
3. Contribute in-kind to the “Basic Needs Drive” bins. For specific support, visit the Basic Needs Support calendar.
4. Donate your gently used clothes to Bodega Rack. Bring your clean items by during Bodega hours.

Yes! The Associated Students sponsors a program called, The Rudy Almeida Glasses-4-Classes award, providing prescriptive glasses to eligible students. Eligibility includes students who have completed at least 12 credit units at SMC, have a 2.0 cumulative GPA, currently enrolled in at least six units in spring or fall semester, be a member of Associated Students. More information and the Glasses for Classes application (opens in new window) can be found on the Health Services website.

Yes! We have printed brochures as well as a digital brochure (opens in new window) highlighting the basic needs resources available. Please email the Basic Needs Department (BasicNeeds@smc.edu (opens in new window) ) and we arrange a stack for delivery via interoffice mail. 

For a complete list of employee resources, visit the Basic Needs website

New or gently used clothing donations can be dropped off at the Bodega during operating hours, which can be found on the Basic Needs Food Security page. We accept coats, sweaters, jackets, pants, shirts/blouses, professional clothing (suits). We do not accept shoes, undergarments, bathing suits, or household items – only new or gently used clothes. If you have other items to donate, consider contributing to the Santa Monica Salvation Army and Thrift Store (opens in new window) or The National Council for Jewish Women’s Council Shop. (opens in new window)

Undocumented students are not eligible for CalFresh unless a member of their household is a citizen or has an eligible immigration status such as legal permanent residence, refugee status, or certain visas. All currently enrolled students are eligible and welcome to access the Bodega (see schedule for hours of operation). Additionally, by meeting with a Basic Needs counselor, they can be connected to their local food pantries and other additional food supports.

International students that have refugee status, are lawful permanent residents, or are on a U-visa may be eligible for CalFresh benefits. Students who are on an F-1 visa are not currently eligible for CalFresh benefits. However, they can still access Bodega and can meet with a Basic Needs counselor for additional food supports.

SMC is working to create specific basic health services for our LGBTQIA identifying students. Our Pride Center has a list of helpful resources that can help.

Visit the Basic Needs website and click on make an appointment (opens in new window) link. The link is for faculty, staff, and/or students to self-refer. A basic needs counselor will receive the information and begin the process.

Yes! We have an SMC Bodega Cookbook (opens in new window) with healthy, affordable recipes prepared by one of SMC’s graduate student nutrition interns, providing students with information using items from the Bodega to prepare a meal.

Yes! Here’s a pdf version of the Basic Needs presentation. We do not have a video version but will look into this!

Yes! The Affordable Connectivity Program (opens in new window) provides a $30 per month federal subsidy for internet service to students with PELL Grants, WIC, HUD, and many more qualifiers.

There are 17 Bodega Bites locations across the main campus and on all four satellite campuses too. Each are stocked with healthy grab-and-go snacks for students free of charge. For a complete list of locations, visit the Basic Needs Food Security page.