UCI Humanities 2018 Campaign For The FRESH Basic Needs Hub

UCI Humanities 2018 Campaign For The FRESH Basic Needs Hub

At this time of year, when our thoughts naturally turn to all we are so grateful for, we ask you to join us in making a contribution to this worthy cause. The School of Humanities is leading the charge to continue the fight against food insecurity here at UCI. Our goal is to raise $20,000 for UCI’s FRESH Basic Needs Hub in time for Thanksgiving (November 22, 2018). Once we reach the first $5,000 of giving, an anonymous donor has pledged to match it with an additional $5,000 gift, bringing the total to $10,000! Together, our cash contributions will allow the Food Pantry to stock itself with the essential supplies most needed for our campus.

We kicked off this year's campaign on October 22nd at the FRESH Hub with 'Arden / Everywhere,' a staging of Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' that incorporates UCI student stories and UCI student actors into a unique and moving dramatic presentation.

Did you know that 42 percent of UC students experienced a reduced quality of diet or decreased food intake in 2016? Similarly, a 2015 undergraduate survey at UCI found that 45 percent of Anteaters had endured food insecurity at some point in the prior year.That's way too many students coming to class hungry! Please partner with The School of Humanities to ensure students campus-wide can learn and thrive by contributing to the FRESH Basic Needs Hub, still the largest food pantry in the UC system!

Let’s work as a School to reduce student hunger at UCI!

What is Food Insecurity?

The USDA defines very low food security as reduced food intake or disrupted eating patterns at times due to limited resources. Low food security is defined as reduced quality, variety or desirability of diet, with little or no indication of reduced food intake. Together, these two categories comprise food insecurity.

How do students access the Food Pantry?

The Food Pantry is available to all students who self-identify as needing food assistance. There are no eligibility requirements for this service.

Who supplies the Food Pantry?

The FRESH Basic Needs Hub has a partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and they bring food to campus once a week, but their delivery only meets our food demand for 1-2 days of the week. For the rest, they purchase food from the OC Food Bank, wholesalers, and rely on donations.

Why support the Food Pantry?

Because it is easy to access, the pantry is in high demand and food is constantly running out. In addition, the food pantry could use monetary support to increase the amount of healthier food options, quality and variety of options currently being offered.