Aztecs Rock Hunger celebrates 15 years of fighting food insecurity
The campaign provides vital support to the SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team, A.S. Food Pantry and the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
The 15th anniversary of Aztecs Rock Hunger (ARH), San Diego State University’s universitywide campaign committed to fighting food and nutrition insecurity, kicks off today.
Through Nov. 30, the ARH campaign will raise funds by collecting donations and engaging the campus in community events benefitting both SDSU students and San Diegans in need. Cumulative donations through the first 14 years of ARH topped $1 million last year.
Associated Students, a student-led organization dedicated to serving and involving students at SDSU, leads the campaign. ARH partners with the SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT), A.S. Food Pantry and The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank as the beneficiaries of the campaign.
Food remains an essential need, yet it is one of the most expensive costs for students. As of June 2025, more than one in four San Diegans experience nutrition insecurity. In the California State University system, two out of three students face food insecurity. The support of campaigns such as Aztecs Rock Hunger is critical in making a direct impact on students and local community members.
About 20% of ARH’s proceeds go to ECRT to bridge the gap for students experiencing urgent food, housing or financial crises that could impact their academic success. Additionally, a portion of the donations directly benefit the A.S. Food Pantry, which is open three times per week to provide free nutritious food such as fresh fruits, canned goods, snacks and protein bars.
“As an out-of-state student, I struggled to afford groceries,” said Bricen, a criminal justice major who has used the Food Pantry for three years. “The A.S. Food Pantry provided me access to free snacks and fresh produce, helping with my financial burden. The pantry also allowed me to meet new people and make new friends on campus. I cannot thank Associated Students enough for this incredible resource.”
Stories like Bricen’s show why it is crucial to keep the campaign's efforts continuing. Each dollar donated to Aztecs Rock Hunger provides two meals through the partnership with the San Diego Food Bank.
“Food is more than something we eat, it’s how we care for one another,” said Aztecs Rock Hunger Chair Aliza Siddiqui. “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.”
Here are four easy ways to donate to ARH:
- Vemno @aztecsrock
- Donate via the SDSU Online Giving Portal (tax-deductible for qualified filers)
- At SDSU campus Starbucks, eateries and markets
- At one of Aztec Rock Hunger’s fundraisers with local businesses
For more information on this year’s campaign, visit the Aztecs Rock Hunger website and follow the Aztecs Rock Hunger Instagram.
