Students at SDSU lead an annual campaign to raise funds to combat food insecurity. (Photo courtesy of Aztecs Rock Hunger) Credit: Aztecs Rock Hunger
Students at San Diego State University have been throwing cream pies, dunking people and dressing up as sharks this month — all to raise money for a good cause.
The annual Aztecs Rock Hunger campaign, now in its 15th year, has become a staple on campus.
The student-led campaign seeks to combat food and nutrition insecurity for students and San Diegans at large. The majority of funds – they raise approximately $100,000 annually – benefit the on-campus A.S. Food Pantry as well as the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
“No student should have to choose between their next meal or their future,” said Aliza Siddiqui, Aztecs Rock Hunger chair, in a campaign video.
A survey by the California Student Aid Commission found that more than two thirds of college students face food insecurity. With the increase in the cost of groceries and government food benefits under threat, food resources are needed now more than ever.
Donovan Freeman, a student on the campaign team, said in the video that food insecurity isn’t hard to find. “It looks like classmates skipping meals, friends choosing between groceries and food, and students pushing through hunger just to stay in school,” he said.
Students supporting each other
The campaign is led by a group of about 20 students each year. They each have their own reasons for volunteering.
Lillian Hall, the vice chair, states on the campaign website that she has personally used the A.S. Food Pantry and wants to give back. Karen Rosario states that she needed to go to food pantries and use EBT cards during childhood.
Other student leaders said they’re passionate about combating food insecurity, promoting good nutrition or just making a positive impact in their community.
The campaign runs through Nov. 30. Students have donated by participating in on-campus events, such as throwing a cream pie at a student leader or trying to drench their favorite sports coach with a $3 toss at the dunk tank.
Students also take part by purchasing meals at participating on-campus restaurants that donate a portion of proceeds to the campaign.
Siddiqui said in a press release that food is more than something we eat — it’s how we care for one another. “When individuals donate to Aztecs Rock Hunger, they’re offering more than a meal, they’re offering a sense of belonging, a moment of relief and the reminder that no one is alone.”
Donations can be made online. Over the past 14 years, the campaign has raised over $1 million from students, alumni, parents, friends, staff and faculty.
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