Community Innovation Hub Hosts Weeklong Food Drive to Support Local Families
The Community Innovation Hub invites the Cal Poly Pomona and city of Pomona communities to join together in the spirit of giving during the Community Food Drive, a weeklong initiative, taking place Monday, Nov. 17 through Friday, Nov. 21.
Hosted in partnership with Lopez Urban Farm, Hope Esperanza, and the Pomona Community Fridge, the drive aims to support families in need by collecting non-perishable food items, dry goods, and hygiene products. All donations will directly benefit local households.
The Community Food Drive serves as an opportunity for the campus and community to unite in generosity. Every contribution helps nourish families and demonstrates the shared commitment to supporting those in need.
Throughout the week, participants are encouraged to bring their donations to the various on-campus and community locations listed below:
On-Campus Locations:
- iLab (Building 1, Room 113)
- Maker Studio (University Library, 2nd Floor)
- Office of Student Success (Student Services Building, 3rd Floor)
- Cesar E. Chavez Center for Higher Education (Building 95, room 100)
Community Locations:
- Community Innovation Hub – 101 W. Mission Boulevard., Suite 111, Pomona, CA
- Pomona Public Library – 625 S. Garey Ave., Pomona, CA
- Borreguitas Restaurant – 987 S. Garey Ave., Pomona, CA
- African American Advisory Alliance – 406 W. 2nd St., Pomona, CA
- Pawnshop Skate Co. – 350 N. Garey Ave., Unit 206, Pomona, CA
- Mi Cafecito Coffee – 101 S. Main St., Pomona, CA
The Community Food Drive will kick off with a Pie and Pan Dulce Social on Monday, Nov. 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Community Innovation Hub in Downtown Pomona. Attendees are invited to enjoy complimentary sweet treats from Dulcelicious, a student-owned snack cart founded by Cal Poly Pomona marketing major Natalie Sanchez, while connecting with fellow guests and community partners. The event will also include a volunteer activity centered on food justice and sustainability, led in collaboration with Lopez Urban Farm. Guests are encouraged to bring their food drive donations to the Hub and take part in this celebration of community and giving.
For Rebecca Kyles (’06, music), co-manager of the Pomona Community Fridge, the partnership represents a meaningful continuation of community connection.
“As a Cal Poly Pomona alumna, I’m grateful to see my alma mater remain deeply committed to both its students and the city of Pomona,” said Kyles. “Cal Poly Pomona was my first true home outside of my hometown, and it’s inspiring to witness the university’s ongoing efforts to give back. Community is key, and I’m proud that Cal Poly Pomona has partnered with us and Lopez Urban Farm to help care for Pomona residents.”
Kyles emphasized how impactful efforts like this drive are during times of scarcity.
“More times than not, our supply of dry goods has been low, and our shelves have been bare this year. We rely on donations from businesses and community members," she said. “We’ve found that, as of late, stores have fewer dry goods available, perhaps due to reduced inventory or longer storage times. As our community continues to be affected by economic and political situations, we are so grateful for this organized effort to collect donations.”
Her co-manager, Madeline Gonzalez-Stoermer (’08, psychology), also echoed that the partnership has reignited her connection to the university.
“As a Cal Poly Pomona alumna, I feel proud and grateful to have been given the opportunity to reconnect with my former college in such a meaningful way,” said Gonzalez-Stoermer. “It is truly inspiring to see the next generation of leaders taking part in such an important initiative. Coming together to serve individuals in the community during tough times is heartwarming—it restores faith in humanity. My hope is that this partnership creates lasting change, not just by providing food, but by educating students about food insecurity and the power of collective action.”
Community members are encouraged to bring donations to any participating donation from Nov. 17-21, participate in the kickoff event and help spread the work to make a meaningful impact.
For more information, visit the Community Innovation Hub website or contact them at thehub@cpp.edu.