Deep Dive in Five: SJSU Cares is Here For Spartans in Need

The New York Times recently reported that an estimated 42 million Americans risk losing access to healthy food if federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) lapses due to the government shutdown. Other benefits such as support for housing and transportation costs and support for Veterans are also seeing reductions.

SJSU students who might be affected by these shifts in resources can seek support and guidance from SJSU Cares , an initiative that provides assistance with basic needs.

Kednel Jean, director of case management at SJSU Cares, invites Spartans to visit the new SJSU Cares office in the Diaz Compean Student Union west, opposite the entrance from the engineering building. He sat down with us for the latest Deep Dive in Five to explain how to access critical resources in times of need.

What services does SJSU Cares provide?

Kednel Jean (KJ): SJSU Cares connects students with basic needs services that support their well-being, stability and success at San José State. Our team provides compassionate, student-centered support to help reduce barriers and ensure all students access essential resources.

Key services include:

Spartan Food Pantry: A free on-campus food resource program providing students with fresh produce and shelf-stable items. With more than 30,000 annual visits, the pantry is critical in addressing food insecurity.

Emergency housing: For students facing unsafe or unstable housing situations, SJSU Cares offers short-term emergency housing placements while exploring longer-term solutions.

Rapid rehousing: In partnership with the Bill Wilson Center , we connect eligible students experiencing housing instability with rapid rehousing services, including rental assistance and case management.

Emergency financial support: Through the Crisis Fund, students experiencing unexpected financial hardship may qualify for emergency grants to help cover essential needs like rent, food or medical expenses.

Help with public benefits: We provide guidance and hands-on assistance with applying for CalFresh (SNAP) and other safety net programs that support long-term financial and food stability.

Case management support: Our case managers work one-on-one with students to assess needs, provide emotional support, and connect them with campus and community resources related to housing, mental health, healthcare and more.

How can students access SJSU Cares resources?

KJL: Students can connect with SJSU Cares in several ways, whether they are facing an immediate crisis or need help navigating available support:

Submit a request for assistance: Students can fill out the SJSU Cares Request for Assistance Form to connect with a case manager who will follow up directly to assess needs and offer personalized support.

Use the Spartan Food Pantry: Any student experiencing food insecurity is welcome to use the Spartan Food Pantry, which is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pantry provides free groceries, including fresh produce, to support students' nutritional needs.

Email or call: For general questions or help getting started, students can email [email protected] or call 408-924-1234.

Referrals from faculty, staff or peers: Faculty, staff and fellow students can refer someone to SJSU Cares using the same Request for Assistance Form.

Tell us about the Spartan Food Pantry.

KJ: The Spartan Food Pantry is a free food resource for currently enrolled SJSU students experiencing food insecurity or difficulty affording groceries. Operated by SJSU Cares, the pantry helps ensure students have access to nutritious food so they can focus on their academic and personal success.

Students can shop for various fresh produce, dairy and shelf-stable items. Any SJSU student needing food support is welcome - no appointment, referral or proof of income is required. With community members' financial and in-kind support, the Spartan Food Pantry received over 33,000 visits during the 2024-25 academic year.

What myths would you like to dispel about SJSU Cares services?

KJ: A common misconception about SJSU Cares is that its services are only for students in extreme crisis, or that students are taking resources away from others by seeking support. In reality, the program is designed to assist any enrolled student navigating food insecurity, housing instability or unexpected financial hardship. Students are encouraged to reach out.

How can community members help to support SJSU Cares?

KJ: Community support plays a vital role in advancing the mission of SJSU Cares. Individuals and organizations can contribute by donating to the Spartan Food Pantry, providing financial support to the Crisis Fund, or partnering on housing and basic needs initiatives. In-kind donations, sponsorships and collaborative programming also help expand our reach. Every contribution, whether through financial donations or a food drive, helps ensure that SJSU students have the resources they need to thrive.

Learn more about SJSU Cares.