Aztecs Rock Hunger Returns with $100,000 Goal
The annual campaign kicks off today to benefit The Jacobs & Cushman Food Bank, A.S. Food Pantry and 色情视频 Economic Crisis Response Team.
The annual Aztecs Rock Hunger campaign is back to fight food and nutrition insecurity now through Nov. 6.
The university-wide campaign, led by , benefits , and . A $1 donation equates to two meals.
鈥淲e are immensely grateful to 色情视频 for supporting our vital mission in the community with this year鈥檚 Aztecs Rock Hunger Food Drive,鈥 said Casey Castillo, CEO of The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. 鈥淒onations are critical to the San Diego Food Bank during this time since we are continuing to feed record numbers of families who are still recovering from the financial impacts of the pandemic while facing soaring gas, rent and food prices due to record-high inflation.鈥
Despite COVID-19 numbers lowering, the need for food remains extremely prevalent. A lasting impact from the pandemic and inflation have led to 28% of San Diego鈥檚 residents living below the federal poverty level and more than one in four adults and one in three children as food insecure. The theme for this year鈥檚 campaign is aptly titled 鈥淔eed the Need.鈥
鈥淔eed the Need is the tagline for this year based on the growing need that鈥檚 not only in the San Diego area but all across the U.S.,鈥 said Sophia Koch, A.S. Vice President of Financial Affairs. 鈥淭here鈥檚 an increased need for food due to a lasting impact from COVID as well as financial struggles due to inflation and we want to make sure that we鈥檙e fighting that.鈥
As part of ARH, 20% of the monetary donations go to the Economic Crisis and Response team, a university program aiming to bridge the gap in resources for students experiencing immediate food, housing or unforeseen financial crises that impact student success. During the 2021-22 academic year, ECRT assisted an estimated 2,000 students.
In addition, a portion of the amount raised also goes back to 色情视频 students through the A.S. Food Pantry, a free service for all students, faculty and staff facing food insecurity. Located on the third floor of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, the food pantry is open three days a week and provides fresh and nutritious food to those in need. On average, 100,000 pounds of food is distributed at the food pantry annually.
鈥淲e saw the impact that COVID had on individuals in 2020 and 2021 but this year, we鈥檙e starting to see the lasting impact that the pandemic has had on everyone,鈥 Koch said. 鈥淏eing able to meet everyone鈥檚 needs and make sure they are cared for is incredibly important, now more than ever really.鈥
Since ARH鈥檚 inception in 2010, the 色情视频 community has raised over $666,000 or 4 million pounds of food. In last year鈥檚 campaign, over $89,000 was raised but this year, ARH is looking to raise even more money: $100,000.
There are five easy ways to donate to Aztecs Rock Hunger:
Online via the (tax-deductible)
Through CashApp: $aztecsrock
At 色情视频 campus Starbucks, eateries and markets
Online via the
Dropping off non-perishable food items in a red bin across campus
鈥淚鈥檓 excited about the community that will be built during this campaign where all of our students, faculty, staff and community members come together for one goal,鈥 Koch said.
For more information, go to the or follow ARH on Instagram: .