Bridging the Food Security Gap: How UCSD Supports Its Students

In California, food insecurity among college students has become a pressing issue. Research shows that between 33% and 50% of students across the University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), and California Community Colleges (CCC) are grappling with limited access to affordable, nutritious food. At UC San Diego, these numbers are even more alarming, with 42% of undergraduate students and 35% of graduate students reporting food insecurity. For underrepresented minority (URM) students, the figure spikes to 53%, and 51% of Pell Grant-eligible undergraduates face similar challenges.

Food insecurity is not just a financial burden—it significantly threatens academic achievement. Students already under pressure to juggle coursework and jobs now have the added strain of meeting their basic needs. This challenge exacerbates mental health struggles and undermines students’ ability to thrive academically.

Programs to Combat Food Insecurity

UC San Diego is stepping up to address this critical issue. One of the most effective tools to combat food insecurity is CalFresh, California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Qualified students can receive up to $292 monthly to help cover food expenses. However, despite its availability, many students are either unaware of the program or have not enrolled. In fact, a 2024 report found that only 22% of eligible UC undergraduates and 29% of eligible graduate students were enrolled in CalFresh.

To bridge this gap, UC San Diego has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at increasing student awareness of food resources. The Hub Basic Needs Center, part of the campus’s Student Affairs and Campus Life, is at the forefront of this effort. The center offers essential services, including CalFresh application assistance, a free grocery shuttle, the Triton Food Pantry, a food recovery network, and mobile app notifications for free food. The goal is to ensure every student knows where to turn when facing food insecurity.

Building Momentum Through Campuswide Campaigns

This fall, UC San Diego is launching a comprehensive CalFresh communications campaign. Designed to engage not only students but also faculty and staff, the initiative encourages faculty members to incorporate information about the Basic Needs Center and CalFresh into their syllabi and peer training sessions. This effort is part of the larger “Collective Impact” initiative led by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor. The Affordable Learning and Financial Support (ALFS) working group, co-chaired by David Ruiter, Faculty Director of the Teaching + Learning Commons, is spearheading the project.

Ruiter expressed his confidence in the campaign’s success: “Our faculty care deeply about student well-being. Many may be surprised to learn how many students struggle with food access. We all know how difficult it is to excel when you don’t have enough to eat. Once faculty became aware of this issue, they showed tremendous support and contributed additional ideas for sharing resources with students.”

A Culture Shift for Long-Term Solutions

The goal is to create a cultural shift on campus—one that recognizes the holistic needs of students. Success in education is not just about books and lectures; it’s also about ensuring that students have access to basic necessities, including food. As Executive Vice Chancellor Elizabeth H. Simmons emphasized, “Just as students need textbooks, they need to have their basic needs met in order to fully engage in learning, research, and the broader community at UC San Diego. By working together, we can close equity gaps that hinder student success.”

The campaign isn’t just about raising awareness. This year, the County of San Diego has created a dedicated CalFresh application link for UC San Diego students. The Basic Needs Center staff now have the capability to track applications, helping students overcome any hurdles they may encounter during the process. The Hub also offers support for both initial applications and recertifications, providing personalized assistance to ensure students get the help they need.

Removing Barriers to CalFresh Enrollment

Although many students have heard of CalFresh, they may not know how to apply or whether they qualify. “Alicia Magallanes, Director of The Hub Basic Needs Center, emphasized that students should not feel like they have to go through this process on their own.” “It can be overwhelming to figure out eligibility and requirements, but our team is here to provide support. We’re committed to making sure every student feels seen, heard, and valued.”

In October, UC San Diego hosted a special event in collaboration with the County of San Diego. The “CalFresh Live Well on Wheels” initiative brought county workers to campus to assist students directly with the CalFresh application process. Students were able to receive immediate confirmation of their application status, creating a streamlined and stress-free experience.

UC San Diego’s proactive efforts to tackle food insecurity are just one part of a broader strategy to enhance student well-being. By connecting students with essential resources and reducing barriers to access, the university is laying the groundwork for academic success.

For more information on food security resources and to schedule an appointment for CalFresh assistance, visit The Hub Basic Needs Center website.