Food insecurity at UAA

Almost half of UAA students have experienced food insecurity, according to a survey conducted by the Hunger and Homelessness Support Network, HHSN, at UAA. The national average of college students experiencing food insecurity is 41%. 

UAA offers several resources to combat hunger and food insecurity, including the Seawolf Food Pantry, which supplies non-perishable foods, as well as three-day emergency food support.

Travis Hedwig, assistant dean for the Division of Population Health Sciences, and co-chair of the HHSN, spoke about issues UAA students face with basic needs.

Hedwig addressed questions from the food insecurity survey, including whether students missed meals, stole food or chose expenses such as rent instead of food due to monetary struggles.

Hedwig said many students do not use campus resources like the career closet because they think someone else would need it more than they do. 

“And to me, that's interesting … You don't need to check any boxes for eligibility,” Hedwig said. “Same with the food pantry. You don't have to be food insecure to access the pantry. It's available and open to any student on this campus.”

Hedwig said the food pantry will be run by Seawolf Dining in 2026, instead of the College of Health. “This is also super exciting because this may allow us to move into perishables, which is not something we've been able to do before.” 

The rate of food and basic needs insecurity —  in general — is in part due to the rising age of college students and a larger population of independent students. The “New College Majority” is a term that describes older and independent students, as well as students with children.

Independent students and students with children are more likely to fall below the poverty line and struggle with basic needs. 

Hedwig said the conversation around basic needs support in college nationally is changing due to the “New College Majority.”