Essential Needs Center (ENC)
MCLA's Commitment to Student Wellness
The ENC
College life can come with challenges beyond the classroom that impact academic success and overall well-being. The MCLA Essential Needs Center (ENC) provides a welcoming, student-centered space offering access to food, essential items, housing and transportation support, seasonal clothing, SNAP application assistance, and more.
Run by students who understand these challenges firsthand, the ENC is here to support you. Stop by, connect with resources—and grab a coffee.
Location
Amsler Campus Center 207 (2nd floor)
Hours
- 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Monday–Friday
- Noon–2 p.m., Saturday–Sunday
Online Resources
Apply for free swipes into the Dining Hall and locations that include Centennial Room on the 1st floor of the Amsler Campus Center (CC).
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. Example of Build-A-Bundle Items
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.
Help Support ENC Access for Students
Supporting students’ access to food and essential needs is critical to ensuring that
all students—regardless of background—can thrive academically and personally. By contributing,
donors help remove barriers to success by providing meals, hygiene products, and other
necessities for students facing financial hardship.
Your generosity allows students to focus on their education without the stress of
unmet basic needs, fostering a more equitable and supportive environment and making
a lasting impact on their well-being and future success.
In-Need 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
ENC RESOURCES
If you need emergency financial assistance (bills, repairs, technology, unexpected costs, etc.) please contact Marissa Parker marissa.parker@mcla.edu for more information or apply by filling out the MCLA Emergency Fund form and submitting it to Student Affairs in Campus Center 305.
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.
In need of assistance with housing or transportation? Food Access? Please contact spencer.moser@mcla.edu or foodpantry@mcla.edu.