Contra Costa College (CCC) announced its well-resourced food pantry, known as Compass Market, has moved to a larger space in the new Compass Center, located on the first floor of the Student Administration Building, next to the Student Life Office.
The “more open, organized setting” aims to create a more accessible walk-in, self-shop experience for students, staff, and faculty. They can browse groceries, snacks, hygiene items and parenting supplies, according to college officials.
“For students balancing school, work, and family responsibilities, access to these essentials can provide stability, reassurance, and day-to-day support,” CCC officials said. “While the services themselves remain the same, the new location makes the experience easier to navigate with comfort and dignity.”
The relocation is part of a soft launch scheduled for this summer. According to the college, the new center will be more visible to community partners and includes a new lactation pod for nursing parents. This addition allows the previous nursing area to be converted into a private office for external partners to meet with students.
The origins of the market date back to Spring 2017, when the college launched its first on-campus food pantry. The effort grew significantly over the years, leading to the establishment of the Compass Center (standing for Comprehensive Student Support) in 2023. The evolution was driven by a commitment to address student basic needs, including food, housing, and transportation. Student workers and hourly staff manage the market’s daily operations.
