There is a startling reality for many college students across the United States, including students at UC San Diego—they are struggling to afford food. The 2024 UC Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES) data shows that 51 percent of UC San Diego undergraduate students report facing food insecurity.
Food insecurity threatens a student’s ability to thrive and fully engage in the campus community. A recent student survey by Public Health Honors Practicum students showed that food insecurity was not only associated with decreased physical health, but also decreased mental well-being and academic performance. However, campuswide efforts are underway to combat this challenge and students themselves are behind much of the outreach which is making a measurable impact.
One of the biggest tools for students struggling with food access is CalFresh, a state program that provides up to $292 a month for groceries. As May’s annual CalFresh Awareness Month approaches, it’s an ideal time to remind the campus community that more than 50 percent of UC San Diego students may be eligible for CalFresh, and 60 percent of students enrolled in CalFresh report receiving at least $200 a month.
Read more at UC San Diego.
