Food insecurity and relief

Each year, the U.S. recognizes the first Friday of September as National Food Bank Day to bring awareness to available aid and reduce the surrounding stigma.
At UAA, approximately 45% of students have experienced food insecurity, according to the Seawolf Food Pantry.

In Anchorage, Alaska's News Source reported that 13% of citizens are food insecure.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, reported that, “13.5 percent (18.0 million) of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2023.”

Food banks in the U.S. have been supplying goods to people in need since the opening of Saint Mary’s Food Bank in 1967 and are often attributed as the inspiration of National Food Bank Day.

As previously reported by The Northern Light, UAA’s Seawolf Food Pantry is located in the Professional Sciences Building Room 211. The Seawolf Food Pantry allows all students to shop the pantry for food, hygiene products and household goods — at no cost.

Students can also file for federal aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP. Applications for an Electronic Balance Transfer, or EBT card, are available through SNAP.
SNAP uses a student’s earned income through employment as a guide for how much money can be included in your monthly payment. 

If students are not considered a dependent, or are above 24 years of age, they may be better qualified for SNAP and FAFSA benefits.