My Week of Free Lunch at USC (+Other Free Food Resources!)
By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22
My first week back at USC, I lost my debit card — which sucked because I had little to no cash on me and didn’t know how I was going to eat between classes. I got through the week by utilizing a variety of different resources at USC and while I didn’t record my experience at the time, I wondered — could I do it again? Finding different places to eat lunch can be difficult, but with effort, it is definitely possible. Between my Monday through Thursday classes, here is what I managed to eat for lunch (for free!) at USC along with a number of other resources I found to help individuals do so!
Monday: Bagel Break
Picture provided from @uschillel on Instagram.
USC Hillel sponsors “Bagel Break” every Monday from 9:30-11:30 at Founders Park, so you might have even seen them before! Stop by to get full on bagels and orange juice!
Tuesday: Chick-Fil-A
If you don’t already know about Pocket Points, you definitely should. It’s an app that rewards you for staying off your phone, and one of the many rewards offered is a free Chick-Fil-A Sandwich. Fries and nuggets are also available!
Wednesday: Chipotle
Is this one a little bit of a cheat? Maybe, but the gift card was a gift, so technically the meal was free. I forgot I even had this lying around and I know can’t be the only one with years-old gift cards collecting dust in the back of a drawer. If you do have one — why not use it?
Thursday: Kogi
On Thursday I finally had some time to participate in the USG elections and in exchange got three pretty decent tacos. USG was also offering In-N-Out and Cool Haus Ice Cream throughout the week, but this was all I managed to snag. I’m definitely going to be keeping an eye out for this truck again!
Other Food Resources:
1. Trojan Food Pantry
Once a week, students without meal swipes can get a free bag of groceries at PKS #135! You can learn more about the program here!
2. Food Recovery Network of USC
This organization aims to reduce food waste and insecurity on campus one step at a time. Every week they give out free groceries donated from Trader Joes and other retailers to students in need! You can learn more about them here!
3. Cal Fresh
CalFresh is a federally-funded food assistance program available to students who have work-study, receive CalGrant A or B, have a child, or work over 20 hours per week outside of USC. It doesn’t affect existing financial aid, and you don’t need your parent’s tax returns to apply! You can learn how to apply from another Trojans 360 post!
4. Hot Meal Program
The United University Church Fellowship Hall invites all students to enjoy a free warm meal every Wednesday at 9:00 pm!
5. St. Francis Church Food Bank
Check out the St. Francis website to learn if you are eligible to “shop” weekly for a variety of items, including fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, rice, beans, and canned food provided from stores like Costco and Target.
6. South LA Market
Follow the South LA Market on Instagram to get the scoop on their occasional grocery giveaways and support a family/minority-owned business!
7. Trojan Table
Presented by USC Retirees and The USC Emeriti Center, this event offers free cooked dinners for students! It takes place once a month, the upcoming dates being February 26, March 26, and April 21 from 5:30 – 7:30 at the University Religious Center (Room 108). It is even recommended to bring a container for leftovers! Vegetarian/Vegan options will be available as well.
If you feel like none of these suggestions work for you, don’t worry! USC still hosts a multitude of events every week that offer free food for its attendees. Always check the Event Calendar, EngageSC, and the “Free Food @ USC” Public Facebook Page for events! Hope this helped!
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