Essential Needs Center (ENC)
Commitment to Student Wellness and Nourishment
Students experience hardships outside of the classroom that can be an obstacle to their academic success and overall wellbeing. The MCLA Essential Needs Center (ENC) is a welcoming space for all MCLA students offering food, essential items, housing and transportation assistance, seasonal clothes, SNAP applications and much more. The ENC is run by students who best understand these out of class challenges and are ready to help and support. Please come by and visit- and grab some coffee!
Location:
The ENC is located on the 2nd of Amsler Campus Center in room 207.
Hours:
- 11am - 9pm Monday - Friday
- 12pm-2pm Saturday - Sunday
Online Resources
If you need emergency financial assistance (bills, repairs, technology, unexpected costs, etc.) please contact Marissa Parker for more information at marissa.parker@mcla.edu or apply by filling out the MCLA Emergency Fund form and submitting it to Student Affairs in Campus Center 305.
With our Bundle Program, you are allowed to select and request any essential life items you are currently in need of. While reviewing the list of items we currently have in stock, feel free to fill out our Bundles form. If we do not have an item that you need, you can still write it down and it will be addressed in your confirmation email.
Apply for free swipes into the Dining Hall and locations that include Centennial Room on the 1st floor of the Amsler Campus Center (CC).
Visit to find the food pantry order form, the gift card order form, and other additional resources (i.e. SNAP, fuel assistance, and rental assistance). You will also find information about our staff and student coordinators.
Between November 2023 and January 2025, students have visited the Essential Needs Center 1,313 times.
Interested in supporting Food Access for students?
Support for food access and essential needs for students is critical in ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.
By contributing to this cause, donors can directly help alleviate barriers to success by providing meals, hygiene products, and other necessities to students who may be facing financial hardships.
Click here to donate
Your generosity will empower students to focus on their education without the stress of unmet basic needs, fostering a more equitable and supportive environment for their growth and success. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the well-being and futures of these students.
NEED assistance with housing or transportation? Food Access? Contact Spencer.moser@mcla.edu or foodpantry@mcla.edu.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a government-funded program intended to financially support low-income individuals towards purchasing nutritious foods. The types of benefits allotted to each person is dependent on income and their household size. If you have questions, please contact Spencer.moser@mcla.edu.
Resources for SNAP
Other ways to support the ENC
Please consider donating the following items:
- Canned tuna, canned meat
- Boxed pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Rice
- Instant noodles
- Macaroni and cheese
- Shelf-stable instant meals
- Baked goods mix
- Cereal
- Granola bars, other snacks
- Canned soup
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Spices and seasonings
- Period products
- Shampoo / Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Body wash, lotion
- Toothpaste
- Winter jackets
- Thermals, long-sleeves
- Boots
- Gloves, scarves, hats
In the News
MCLA's Essential Needs Center Ensures Students Don't Go Without
