A testament to the collective power of generosity and care that defines the Humboldt spirit, the outpouring of assistance from donors, including alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and supporters of the university, fortified two essential lifelines on campus: Oh SNAP! Student Food Programs and the Student Emergency Grant. Together, these programs help students access food, essentials, and immediate financial aid—help that made the difference between dropping out and persevering.
“By ensuring our students receive the fundamental care they require, we empower them to fully dedicate themselves to their studies and reach their academic goals. This commitment represents a collaborative effort across the campus community, uniting resources and support to create an atmosphere where every student can flourish, both academically and personally,” says Chrissy Holliday, vice president for Enrollment Management & Student Success.
Students thrive when they have access to the resources that sustain both their studies and their well-being. One of the most powerful examples is Oh SNAP!, a program born from student activism and compassion. In 2013, Social Work Professor Jen Maguire and her students began helping peers apply for CalFresh, California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. A year later, with the help of Mira Friedman, Lead for Health Education & Clinic Support Services, they opened a food pantry that has since served thousands of students.
The pantry offers fresh, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food. Campus community members, including students, staff, faculty, and administrators, contributed their time as volunteers at Oh SNAP!, assisting in sorting food donations and organizing the pantry. Additionally, Oh SNAP! has expanded to include occasional free pop-up thrift stores that offer affordable essentials, open to all.
Meanwhile, the Student Emergency Grant provides immediate relief when life takes an unexpected turn. From medical bills to housing crises, grants ranging from $100 to $1,000 help students weather emergencies and stay enrolled. Each grant is a quiet affirmation that Humboldt students are not alone. Their education, well-being, and dreams matter.
In addition to the recent fundraising, Oh SNAP! and Food For People, Humboldt County’s regional food bank, are working together to collect non-perishable food donations for Food for People’s Holiday Food Drive. Collection bins will be placed around campus for employees and students to contribute. All food donated on campus will go directly to the Oh SNAP! Food Pantry. Donate to a campus food collection bin starting Monday, Dec. 1, through Dec. 19 at the following locations on campus: Gutswurrak Student Activities Center, Siemens Hall, Student & Business Services building, and the University Library.
The generosity that fueled this season of giving shows Humboldt’s spirit of care runs deep and touches every corner of campus. Philanthropy here is not just about giving—it’s about ensuring that every student has the chance to learn, to grow, and to succeed.
Consider supporting students by making a donation to the Oh SNAP! Student Food Program or the Student Emergency Grant, or donating a non-perishable item in the collection bins on campus.