Students gathered in the LMC Student Lounge on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from noon to 2 p.m. to spin a trivia wheel, drink smoothies and learn how CalFresh benefits can stretch their grocery budgets.

The event “Let’s Eat Right Day” was part of CalFresh Outreach Week and was made to bring awareness of food resources available on and off campus.

Although the event began at noon, attendance was light during the first hour. By 1 p.m., however, the Student Lounge grew busier as students stopped to participate between classes.

Organizers say the event addressed bigger issues many students face, like food insecurity and the stigma surrounding assistance programs.

Aaron Ramos, Basic Needs Program Assistant, said the event had two goals: to promote healthy eating and raise awareness about CalFresh benefits.

“It’s about bringing awareness,” Ramos said. “A lot of times, resources such as this, whether its CalFresh or the Marketplace people don’t know about them”

Ramos added that the event recognized Black History Month by highlighting Madeline Turner, inventor of the Turner Fruit Press while serving smoothies to go with the themes of healthy eating.

América Meza Gomez, who works in Student Life and the Marketplace, said the event connects to CalFresh Outreach Week by promoting both healthy recipes and campus resources.

“We want to show healthy recipes, like smoothies and also show resources that we have on and off campus,” said Meza Gomez. “We definitely want to reach that other side of people that don’t know about these resources.”

Students spun true or false wheel featuring facts about CalFresh and EBT use and a QR code allowed them to begin the CalFresh application.

Speakers shared how food insecurity can directly affect academic performance.

“If you’re not energized, then you’re not going to receive the information that you’re trying to get,” said student Yamesha Martin. “Your mind is wandering and not focused.”

Brandon Alvarez shared his experience relying on CalFresh while attending UC Merced.

“My financial aid covered my rent, my job covered my bills, but I had no money left over for food,” said Alvarez “Because of CalFresh, thankfully I was able to buy groceries for the month.”

Alvarez said high living costs often stretch student’s budgets making food access critical for those that balance rent and bills.

Attendees and organizers pointed out the stigma and lack of information are major barriers in preventing students from applying.

“I feel like the main reason people don’t apply is because they don’t know and because there’s a stigma behind it,” Alvarez said.

Pamela Pereira, Basic Need student ambassador of basic needs, said some students assume they won’t qualify.

“Most of them are too shy to apply,” said Pereira. “They think they will not be eligible.”

Ramos added that the application process seems intimidating, but it is manageable.

“Part of applying for CalFresh is going through an interview process,” said Ramos. “But it’s honestly not that bad. It just takes maybe 15 to 20 minutes.”

Cost of living in the area continues to rise, events like this are designed so students understand help is available.