NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jennifer N. Kearns: jennifer.kearns@gcccd.edu
October 30, 2025
The District prepares to provide students with resources as government shutdown continues
Colleges and Foundation ready to provide resources if SNAP benefits lapse
EL CAJON, CA – The District, Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, and the Foundation for Grossmont & Cuyamaca Colleges are joining forces to support students as the federal government shutdown continues. The shutdown is impacting several programs nationwide, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh. Both colleges assist students with CalFresh, which provides monthly food benefits that allow students and families to purchase groceries at most supermarkets and through online retailers.
Students received October 2025 benefits, which were issued as scheduled. However, since the federal government has not reopened or passed a funding measure, November benefits for recipients may be delayed. That means that the approximately 40-50% of Grossmont and Cuyamaca college students who are already experiencing food insecurity may face additional challenges if CalFresh benefit delays occur.
To assist, Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, along with the Foundation, are stepping up to provide additional resources and options for students. Both colleges will continue to host Farmers Markets on campus, which are free food distribution events. Employees are participating in providing support, and members of the community are also welcome to do so.
At both Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, students can get meals at the college pantries, and at any of the Farmers market events. Additionally, students can get support at either of the campus basic needs centers, which provide resources for food, housing, child care, and/or transportation needs.
District employees and community members can also support students by making a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation for Grossmont & Cuyamaca Colleges which will support students at Grossmont and Cuyamaca College who have lost their CalFresh benefits. 100% of the donations will benefit students in need.
Photos:
Grossmont College Basic Needs Food and Resource Fair, Fall 2024 Photo Album
Cuyamaca College Farmers Market, Spring 2025, Photo Album
About the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District
As the largest institution of higher education in East County, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, has enhanced the quality of life in East County for over 65 years by providing top notch, affordable education and workforce training. The 1,138-square-mile District includes communities such as El Cajon, Santee, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, San Diego, and the unincorporated County. Our institutions offer a variety of convenient online and in-person classes, along with competitive degree and certificate programs. The District, which includes Grossmont College and Cuyamaca College, serves over 29,000 students annually, and awards over 6,000 degrees and certificates each year. The colleges are consistently ranked as top transfer institutions to SDSU. Grossmont College first convened classes in 1961 and serves over 19,000 students every year. Cuyamaca College was built in 1978, and enrolls nearly 10,000 students yearly. The colleges lead the way in developing educational programs, classes, and services that meet the diverse needs of East County's student population.
###