Sacramento State's Associated Students Inc. Food Pantry has received $97,000 in new grant funding, bolstering its ability to combat food insecurity among students. The money will upgrade equipment, improve inventory management and expand services, directly supporting student well-being and academic success.
With about 500 students accessing free groceries weekly, the pantry has seen a 30% increase in usage since 2022. This surge, driven by inflation and rising housing costs, underscores the critical role of food security in students' academic journey. The new resources will help ensure that more students can focus on their studies without the burden of hunger or financial stress.
"There's a huge food insecurity issue among students," said Food Pantry manager Sommer Hayes. "Thankfully, the world is shining a light on it."
