City College Associated Student Senate proposed to start an on-campus food bank to provide physical and moral support to students who are in financial need.

The food bank will be open to all students in need. The student senators said all students would be able to access it just by showing a City College identification card.

“This is a really important opportunity for the Associated Student Senate and the other College organizations to support the students in meeting a basic quality of life,” said the Associated Student President Elie Katzenson.

The senators agreed to further discuss ways to provide free food for students.

“This is an issue that truly affects students and we need to address it,” said Gracie Maynetto, vice president of senate affairs.

The idea to have on campus food storage was inspired by UCSB and their partnership with Costco. The senate hopes to create this same alliance with Costco.

The UCSB food bank opened in the 2011 servicing only 5 students. Today, it services a total of 12,000 visits. They aim to respect the students’ confidentiality and offer information about additional, outside-campus resources.

“I think the food bank gives us a great opportunity which will allow the students to scholastically perform at their best,” Katzenson added.

The food bank is still in the planning stages. Senator Nicholas Stail suggested the project could even help to reduce cafeteria waste. The leftover food could be offered to the on-campus bank at the end of the day.

“I know UCSB has rice and beans and such,” Maynetto said. “But I’d like to provide fresh food and more vegetables.”

The senate has yet to determine a location and cost but they will be discussing details in future meetings.

“We need all the help we can get, if students or faculty would like to volunteer any services or goods it would be greatly appreciated,” Maynetto said.

The senate will meet next Friday at 9 a.m.