Empowering Students: UC San Diego's Comprehensive Approach to Food Security

In a proactive move to address the pressing issue of food insecurity among its student population, UC San Diego is launching a comprehensive communications campaign this fall. The initiative, spearheaded by the Affordable Learning and Financial Support (ALFS) working group, aims to connect students with vital resources such as CalFresh, a government-funded program that provides food assistance. By expanding the reach of these services to include faculty and staff, the university is taking a holistic approach to ensuring that every student has the necessary support to thrive academically and personally.

Bridging the Gap: UC San Diego's Commitment to Student Well-being

Empowering Faculty to Support Student Success

The university's efforts to address food insecurity on campus extend beyond just providing resources to students. Faculty members are being actively engaged in the process, with the expectation that they will incorporate information about the Basic Needs Center and CalFresh into their course materials and peer trainings. This collaborative approach is designed to create a campus-wide culture of support, where every member of the community is aware of the resources available and actively works to ensure that students' basic needs are met.David Ruiter, co-chair of the ALFS working group and Faculty Director of the Teaching + Learning Commons, expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign, stating, "I believe our faculty really cares about our students and their well-being. That said, I would guess that instructors may be as surprised as I was to hear how many of our students are struggling to access food. Honestly, how well can any of us learn and thrive when we don't have enough to eat? As faculty become aware of this food security situation, they have already shown great enthusiasm to support the campaign and have provided additional ideas for sharing information with students."

Addressing the Holistic Needs of Students

The university's efforts to address food insecurity are part of a broader cultural shift on campus, where the focus is on identifying and providing all the tools and resources students need to excel and complete their degrees. Executive Vice Chancellor Elizabeth H. Simmons emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, "Just as students need textbooks and other materials, they also need to have their basic needs met to be ready to learn. By working collectively to ensure that every student has the support and resources they need to fully engage in learning, research, and community at UC San Diego, we can begin to close equity gaps that hinder students' success."

Streamlining the CalFresh Application Process

To further support students in accessing food security resources, the County of San Diego has created a CalFresh application link specifically for UC San Diego students. The Basic Needs Center staff will have access to track applications and their status, allowing them to assist students who may encounter barriers to successfully completing their applications. This streamlined process is designed to make it easier for students to navigate the system and receive the assistance they need.

Fostering a Culture of Inclusivity and Support

The university's efforts to address food insecurity are not just about providing resources; they are also about creating a campus culture that recognizes and supports the diverse needs of its student population. By normalizing the discussion around basic needs and ensuring that every student has access to the support they require, UC San Diego is taking a proactive step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.As the university continues to implement these initiatives, it is clear that the well-being of its students is a top priority. By empowering faculty, streamlining access to resources, and fostering a culture of inclusivity, UC San Diego is setting a powerful example for other institutions to follow in their pursuit of student success.