Located in Carson, California, California State University, Dominguez Hills serves as a vital access point to higher education for students across Los Angeles County. As part of the California State University system, the institution is deeply committed to academic excellence, social mobility, and community impact. With a student population of over 16,000, CSU Dominguez Hills is recognized for supporting a diverse and largely first-generation student body, many of whom balance academic responsibilities with work, family obligations, and financial constraints. The campus community reflects the rich cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the region. A significant percentage of students come from historically underserved backgrounds, and many face ongoing challenges related to housing instability, food insecurity, and limited financial resources. These realities shape the university's approach to student success, placing basic needs at the center of its support framework. Guided by a mission rooted in equity, access, and transformative education, CSU Dominguez Hills prioritizes removing barriers that can prevent students from persisting and completing their degrees. The university recognizes that academic success cannot be separated from a student's ability to meet their most essential needs. As a result, it has developed a comprehensive, student-centered Basic Needs Program, "Toro CARE", designed to ensure that all students have the stability required to thrive. At the core of this effort is the campus Basic Needs initiative, a centralized program dedicated to addressing food access, housing security, financial wellness, and overall student well-being. The program serves as a hub where students can access critical resources, receive personalized support, and connect with services that stabilize their daily lives. Through a coordinated and compassionate approach, the Basic Needs team works to ensure that students are not navigating these challenges alone. Among the most impactful components of this initiative is Teddy's Pantry, the university's on-campus food pantry. Teddy's Pantry plays a critical role in supporting students facing food insecurity by providing consistent access to nutritious groceries in a welcoming and stigma-free environment. Designed to meet students where they are, the pantry allows individuals to select items that align with their dietary needs and preferences, reinforcing dignity and choice in the process. Teddy's Pantry is utilized by a wide range of students, including those experiencing temporary financial hardship as well as those facing ongoing food access challenges. By offering fresh produce, shelf-stable goods, and essential grocery items, the pantry helps reduce the financial burden associated with food costs, allowing students to redirect limited resources toward tuition, housing, and other academic expenses. For many, it serves as a reliable and essential part of their weekly routine, ensuring they can remain focused on their education. Beyond food access, the Toro Care program at CSU Dominguez Hills provides a range of additional services designed to support the whole student. These include assistance with housing resources, emergency financial aid, connections to public benefits, and referrals to mental health and wellness services. Together, these offerings create a comprehensive safety net that addresses both immediate needs and long-term stability. CSU Dominguez Hills has further strengthened its food access efforts through its partnership with Student LunchBox. This collaboration brings expanded resources directly onto campus, enhancing the reach and impact of Teddy's Pantry. Through coordinated distributions and resource integration, Student LunchBox supplements the university's existing infrastructure with additional fresh produce, proteins, grocery items, and essential goods. This partnership allows CSU Dominguez Hills to scale its support in a way that would not be possible through campus resources alone. By aligning efforts, both organizations ensure that students have consistent, reliable access to high-quality food and necessities throughout the academic year. The impact of these combined efforts is both immediate and long-term. Students who access Teddy's Pantry and related basic needs services report reduced financial stress, improved focus in the classroom, and a greater sense of belonging on campus. By addressing fundamental needs with intention and care, CSU Dominguez Hills is not only supporting individual students but also strengthening its broader academic community. Through its leadership in basic needs support and its commitment to equity-driven solutions, CSU Dominguez Hills continues to set a standard for how institutions can respond to the realities facing today's college students. Teddy's Pantry and the broader Basic Needs Program stand as essential pillars of this work, ensuring that students have the resources they need to persist, succeed, and graduate with confidence.