SDSU's 2023 Aztecs Rock Hunger campaign hits record-breaking student support

San Diego State University’s 2023 Aztecs Rock Hunger campaign raised $95,690, bringing the total to over $920,000 raised since Aztecs Rock Hunger’s inception in 2010.

“I’m really proud of the amount we raised given the fact that we knew it was going to be a harder year because of inflation,” said A.S. Vice President of Financial Affairs Leo Peña. “Although we didn’t reach our goal of $100,000, we were only a few thousand away, and that’s not going to change how many students and community members we help.”

From Oct. 13 to Nov. 5, the universitywide campaign led by Associated Students collected monetary donations to combat food and nutrition insecurity and support the SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team, A.S. Food Pantry and The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. 

A record-breaking 25% of the amount raised was donated by SDSU students, showcasing students’ determination to support their peers and community with almost $13,000 raised by SDSU’s Greek Life community. A $1 donation provided two meals to those in need.

“This record-breaking amount definitely shows that students not only care about the betterment of students just like them but of the overall community they live in,” Peña said.

With the continued increase in the cost of living, the need to fight food and nutrition insecurity remains at an all-time high. In the past year, The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank served an average of 400,000 San Diegans every month and distributed 44 million pounds of food. 

Of the over $95,000 raised, 20% of the monetary donations will stay on campus to benefit the SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT), which helps bridge the gap in resources for students experiencing immediate food, housing or unforeseen financial crises that impact student success. During the 2022-23 academic year, ECRT assisted roughly 2,000 students.

“This issue hits close to home because more than 30% of America’s college students are struggling with food insecurity,” said SDSU President Adela de la Torre. “Aztecs Rock Hunger highlights the amazing heart and generosity of our SDSU students, as well as the College Area Business District, SDSU Athletics, Aztec Shops, SDSU Alumni, the SDSU Basic Needs Center and all of our community and campus partners who helped to make this year another impactful success.”

In addition, the money raised will support the A.S. Food Pantry, which provides free, fresh and nutritious food to those in need three times a week. Last academic year, the A.S. Food Pantry distributed over 100,000 pounds of food to students in need.

Despite the three-week fundraising push ending, the fight to end food and nutrition insecurity continues. Those interested in supporting the cause can still donate via the SDSU Online Giving Portal.

“Thank you to everyone who donated their money and time,” Peña said. “Everyone’s support helps a lot of students and community members and programs like SDSU’s Economic Crisis and Response Team and the A.S. Food Pantry would not exist without donations to Aztecs Rock Hunger so thank you.”