Along with individual and multicampus projects such as the International Student Fellowship, the UC Global Food Initiative (GFI) supports UC-wide projects which collectively draw on the efforts of faculty, students and staff from each campus to work together on systemwide projects and goals.

The GFI projects that engage the whole system include:

Food Access Security and Basic Needs

This subcommittee is working to address student food security/access, hunger and equity in California. This team has been instrumental in establishing formal food security working groups on each UC campus to coordinate efforts such as food pantries for emergency relief, and expanding Swipe Out Hunger programs. More broadly, the co-chairs have increased collaboration with intersegmental partners, and county and state offices to register students for CalFresh (California’s nutrition assistance program), expanding awareness campaigns about student support services, and enhancing financial aid communications about housing and student costs.

Read more: Student food access and security webpage

Contacts

Healthy Campus Network

The Healthy Campus Network (HCN) is one example of how UC is deploying its resources, expertise and leadership to drive change in the public health arena. This university-wide initiative brings together all 10 campuses to develop and disseminate innovative reforms in all dimensions of health and well-being, with the goal of making UC the healthiest place to live, work and learn. Equity and inclusion are at the heart of HCN’s efforts, which are taking on multidimensional issues, such as student food insecurity, food literacy, the food environment, emotional well-being, physical activity and the built environment.

Read more: Healthy Campus Network webpage

Contacts