UC Berkeley Food Pantry

More than 40% of college students have experienced food insecurity in some form or fashion, according to Feeding America — however, a vast number of food shortage cases fly under the radar due to embarrassment many feel about their situation.

To most students residing off-campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, away from the bustling dining halls and the ever-crowded campus cafes, food waste may not be a top priority. On campus, however, Cal Dining and other campus entities continue to work toward reducing the amount of food UC Berkeley wastes.

Bernadine “Pinky” Sewell, founder of popular campus restaurant Pinky & Red’s, was diagnosed with colon cancer in August and has set up a GoFundMe page to cover her medical and living expenses.

Physical distancing measures and remote learning may be exacerbating disordered eating, as well as food insecurity, among students.

About 20% of university students have experienced food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent study co-led by the UC Berkeley Center for Studies in Higher Education.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UC Berkeley Food Pantry and the Berkeley Student Food Collective, or BSFC, have adjusted their health and safety standards to provide food and other resources to campus and the Berkeley community.

While public health is a top priority, it's still important to prevent literal tons of material from being dumped on the streets or ending up in landfills.

Campus junior Augusto Gonzalez aims to promote sustainability, cheaper transportation and financial wellness, among others, at UC Berkeley as a candidate for ASUC external affairs vice president, or EAVP, ASUC Senate and transfer representative.

In an attempt to combat campus food insecurity, Student Kitchen Co., Replate and the UC Berkeley Food Pantry partnered to serve 126 meals to people on campus and unhoused individuals at a pop-up kitchen event.

University Health Services is honoring National Eating Disorders Awareness Week from Feb. 24-28 with events and demonstrations, educating the UC Berkeley campus about eating disorders.