Support Basic Needs

Financial Contributions towards the Basic Needs Program

Basic Needs operates from state funding, as well as donor dollars. Our donors help our area put on programming events such as our Farmer's Market, helps us stock our Dolphin Pantry Shelves when community donations go quickly, support our students that experienced an unexpected expense or housing crisis that jeopardizes their ability to continue their education and more. If you are interested in supporting the Basic Needs program or any of our embedded services within Basic Needs more directly, please review the opportunities identified below:

• Support the CSUCI Basic Needs Fund
• Support the Dolphin Pantry Fund
• Support the Student Emergency Housing Fund

Thank You to Our Donors

Our Basic Needs program is made possible through the generosity of our community partners, organizations, and supporters. Their contributions help us provide essential resources, reduce food insecurity, and support student well-being. We are grateful for their commitment to helping students thrive.

Mike and Leslie De Los Santos

About the Donor:
Mike and Leslie have been valued supporters of the Dolphin Pantry since 2023. Twice each month, they generously provide fresh produce through Food Forward, helping ensure our students have access to nutritious food. They are always a joy to connect with, and we especially love when they bring their dog along during deliveries.

Their kindness, generosity, and commitment to serving their community are truly inspiring. Over the years, their contributions have made a meaningful difference in the lives of hundreds of students. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support and the positive impact they continue to have on our campus community.

Julia Newman

About the Donor:
Julia Newman is a Professor of Teacher Education at CSU Channel Islands and a dedicated supporter of the Dolphin Pantry. Through her weekly food donations, she has made a meaningful impact on the lives of countless students facing food insecurity. Despite her busy schedule, Julia consistently takes the time to personally deliver donations, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to student well-being.

As the founder of the Somis Pantry, Julia’s passion for serving others extends far beyond our campus. She is a true community ambassador, working tirelessly to support and uplift multiple communities every day. Her generosity, leadership, and dedication to helping others embody the spirit of service. We are incredibly grateful for Julia’s time, commitment, and ongoing support of the CSUCI community.

Camarillo United Methodist Church

About the Donor:
The Camarillo United Methodist Church (UMC) has been a dedicated and valued partner of the Dolphin Pantry, supporting our mission through both financial contributions and volunteer efforts. Paula Smith is one of several generous individuals who regularly contributes her time, energy, and resources to support our students. Each month, Paula delivers donations collected from church members and often goes above and beyond by shopping for pantry items, always checking in to see what our greatest needs are. Her warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine care make her visits something we look forward to every month.

Beverly Taylor has also played an instrumental role in supporting the pantry. She coordinates community giving efforts within the church and diligently researches grant opportunities to help secure additional resources for our students. Her leadership and commitment have made a significant impact, including helping fund 600 finals snack bags distributed to students during finals week. Beverly has also mobilized church members to donate essential parenting supplies, further expanding the support available through our programs.

We are incredibly grateful to Paula, Beverly, and the entire Camarillo United Methodist Church community for their generosity, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to helping CSUCI students thrive. Their partnership continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students we serve.

Camarillo  Christian Church

About the Donor:

The Camarillo Christian Church is one of our newest community partners and donors. The partnership began when Pastor Mike reached out to ask a simple but powerful question: “How can we help?” Through this connection, we were introduced to Mike Ritchie, who has been coordinating donations on behalf of the church since Fall 2025.

In a relatively short time, Camarillo Christian Church has made a tremendous impact on our students by donating hundreds of items, including eggs, pasta, apples, canned goods, bread, and other pantry essentials. Every donation reflects the church’s genuine commitment to supporting the well-being and success of CSU Channel Islands students.

Mike Ritchie consistently asks, “How can we serve?”—a question that exemplifies the dedication and generosity of both him and the members of the congregation. Their passion for helping others is evident during every visit, and their support has become an invaluable resource for our campus community.

We are deeply grateful to both Pastor Mike and Mike Ritchie for reaching out, building this partnership, and strengthening the network of support available to our students. It is always a pleasure to connect with Mike Ritchie and learn more about the meaningful work he and the church continue to do throughout the community. Their generosity and servant-hearted approach have made a lasting difference, and we are honored to partner with them.

Donate Items to the Dolphin Pantry

The Dolphin Pantry welcomes donations year round. We accept items that are unexpired, in good condition, and sealed. We cannot accept expired food or beverages, opened, partially used, or unsealed food, items with damaged, torn, punctured, or leaking packaging, and homemade or home-canned foods. Donations can be made during our normal operating hours or by appointment at basicneeds@csuci.edu. Below is a list of desired items.

1. Non-perishable food items:
   Gluten-free items, pancake mix & syrup, honey, box/canned milk (almond, soy, coconut milk), water flavoring mixes, coffee/ tea, juices, snacks: crackers, pretzels, fruit cups/applesauce, dried fruits, granola bars, nuts,cooking oils, spices/seasonings, flour, and baking mix.
   
   
2. Perishable food items:
   Bread, tortillas, milk, fresh fruits in season (apples, oranges, bananas, avocados, tomatoes, etc.), fresh vegetables in season (carrots, lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, etc.) yogurt, cheese, eggs, butter, meats, chicken, turkey, beef, tuna, lunch meat, and frozen microwavable meals.
   
   
3. Hygiene Supplies:
   Deodorant, mouth wash, toilet paper, tissue, disposable razors, toothbrush/ toothpaste, shampoo/ conditioner, soap, sunscreen, chap stick, and lotion.
   
   
4. Household Products:
   Cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, dish soap, diapers, and sponges.

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