We believe nutritious food is a basic human right that's vital to our community's well-being and success. The Hawk CARES Food Market is an inclusive, dignified space, committed to meeting our students' needs with compassionate food distribution and support.
If you are a CRC student and cannot pick up food during our open hours, we have an option for you!
The Hawk Cares Food Market and CalFresh provide students with essential resources and access to healthy, nutritious food options, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive academically and personally.
We offer CalFresh Assistance in partnership with River City Food Bank. Students of Cosumnes River College are able to schedule a one-on-one session with a River City Food Bank representative and discuss information regarding CalFresh. Services include: pre-screening for eligibility, application assistance, and trouble shooting for those already on CalFresh.
Make an Appointment with a CalFresh Specialist
Note: If you find that the listed dates and times for assistance do not work with your schedule, you can connect with River City Food Bank directly at (916) 233-4075 or email calfresh@rivercityfoodbank.org. You can also reach out to CRC Hawk CARES Center at crc-hawkcares@crc.losrios.edu.
To place an after-hours pick up, fill out the Hawk Spot Food Market after hours pick-up form.
Upon completing the form, you will receive an email with pick up instructions. A Hawk CARES staff member will place your order in a locker (located in the Technology building) once it is received.
Students will have 72 hours to pick up their order; if the order is not picked up, the student will need to submit a new order.
The Hawk CARES Center and the Horticulture program are partnering to launch an innovative collaboration that connects student learning with student well-being. Through this initiative, horticulture students cultivate fresh, seasonal produce on campus as part of their coursework and hands-on training. The harvested fruits, vegetables, and herbs are then distributed through the Hawk Cares Market, providing free, locally grown, and sustainable produce to students experiencing food insecurity.
This collaboration promotes a holistic approach to basic needs and education by integrating academic learning, sustainability, and community care. Students in the Horticulture Program gain real-world experience in crop production, soil management, and sustainable agriculture, while supporting their peers through meaningful, equity centered action. In turn, students accessing the Hawk Food Market benefit from nutritious, high quality produce that supports their health, academic success, and overall well-being.
The "Together, We Grow" efforts embodies the spirit of collaboration, equity, and innovation at Cosumnes River College where students learn, grow, and thrive together.
We are all excited to continue to bring nutritious and nourishing food to our students.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawk CARES Market
Feel free to visit us or contact us if you have any further questions. We look forward to meeting you and welcome you at your Hawk CARES Center.
The Hawk CARES Market is a service provided by the Hawk CARES Center at Cosumnes River College to support currently enrolled students who may benefit from additional food resources. We offer free staple groceries and other essentials.
The Hawk CARES Market is available to all currently enrolled Cosumnes River College students, including Dual Enrolled students enrolled in at least three units. Just be sure to have your updated Student ID card (Student Access Card) when visiting the center.
No, students do not need to provide proof of income to access the Hawk CARES Market. All currently enrolled students are eligible, regardless of income level.
No. No service provided at the Hawk CARES Center is considered as Public Charge. Any enrolled status, regardless of immigration status, can access the Hawk CARES Market.
Students are welcome to visit the Hawk CARES Market once per week to access free food and essentials. Currently, students are able to utilize up to ten points per visit. Please visit the center to learn more about the point system.
The market offers a variety of non-perishable and perishable food items, including fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, snacks, and bread products. The inventory may vary each week. Please visit the center to learn more about the available items.
The Hawk CARES Market is located on the main Cosumnes River College campus, inside the Hawk CARES Center. The center is located in Portable #48, across from the Child Development Center. See map.
Yes, the Hawk CARES Market operates during the hours the Hawk CARES Center is open. See the Hawk CARES Center main page for current hours.
There are times that the center may be closed for staff development and other special occasions. Please follow us on Instagram for updates and future hours: @CRCHAWKCARES.
Students need to bring their student ID (Student Access Card) if it is your first time accessing the Hawk CARES Market. There’s a one-time brief intake form to access the Hawk CARES Market. Further instructions on how to access the market will be provided at the center during the first visit.
No, the Hawk CARES Market is intended for the students themselves. There may be exceptions or special considerations, so inquire directly with us at Hawk CARES Center for more details:
- (916) 691-7095
- crc-hawkcares@crc.losrios.edu
No, the Hawk CARES Market and all services at the Hawk CARES Center are completely free for all currently enrolled Cosumnes River College students.
If you need additional support or services, the Hawk CARES Center provides referrals to other resources such as housing assistance and professional clothing. Additional resources may be available. Please contact the Hawk CARES Center:
- (916) 691-7095
- crc-hawkcares@crc.losrios.edu
Yes, there are events/activities during the year where we welcome volunteers. Please contact the Hawk CARES Center for volunteer opportunities:
- (916) 691-7095
- crc-hawkcares@crc.losrios.edu
Donations are accepted to help support the market’s services. We gratefully accept non-perishable food items, hygiene products, new or gently used clothing, and school supplies. Please ensure all donations are clean, unexpired, and in good condition. Donations can be dropped off anytime the center is open.
To make a financial gift, please visit our donation page for more information.
No, accessing food from the Hawk CARES Market does not have an impact on your Financial Aid.
We understand that there will be times that the services available through the Hawk CARES Center may not fully meet the needs of our students. When this is the case, we aim to provide additional resources and referrals to other services, such as a list of alternate food centers in the area.
Hawk CARES Lounge
The Hawk CARES lounge is a welcoming community space where students can grab a snack and study, socialize, or play their favorite tabletop games.