UAA takes steps to help hunger

According to a UAA study, nearly 45% of UAA students face food insecurity. Community donations such as canned food, financial gifts and continued support allow Seawolf Dining to host events like the annual Spirit Run. 

The Northern Light spoke with Seawolf Dining Program Director Trenten Hall about food insecurity and the Spirit Run.

UAA’s Spirit Run is a three-mile running event dedicated to raising funds and food donations for the Seawolf Food Pantry. This year, Yeti Dog sponsored the event. 

Hall said participation increased by 25% compared to last year. With continued engagement from the community, students and alums, Hall said he is hopeful the run will continue to grow in years ahead.

Hall said that several UAA departments had noticed a need for food support for students and added, “As I have spent more time around students, it’s mind-blowing how many students are actually food insecure. We did two studies before and after COVID that showed about 45% of students are food insecure.”

Faculty from the Dietetics and Nutrition program created The Seawolf Food Pantry in 2022. Hall shared that the Seawolf Food Pantry also works with the Hunger and Home Support Network. 

In summer 2025, Hall and Seawolf Dining hosted the Seawolf Summer Support Series. For the month of June, the campus-wide fundraiser raised money and collected food for the pantry. 

According to The Seawolf Food Pantry’s website, students can collect a three-day supply twice a month for individuals and households of up to four people. 

The food pantry is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the fall 2026 semester.