Did you know the Seawolf Food Pantry has a new, bigger home and an even bigger mission?

January 21, 2025

the seawolf food pantry door with logo
The pantry has provided nearly 15,000 meals since its opening.

The big picture: The pantry serves UAA students experiencing food insecurity. Students have access to non-perishable food and personal hygiene items. The pantry officially opened in fall 2022 and re-launched this semester in its bigger space in the same building.

What鈥檚 new:

  • The pantry relocated to a larger, brighter space in the Professional Studies Building, Room 211.
  • The new location doubles the pantry鈥檚 size and creates a more welcoming environment. 

Looking inside the Seawolf food pantry, there are shelves of food and a deskStudents can stop by the new location in the UAA Professional Studies Building, Room 211.

By the numbers:

  • Over 44% of students experience food insecurity, according to a 2019 study done by UAA faculty Kathi Trawver and Travis Hedwig that surveyed UAA students.
  • Students can visit twice a month to pick up supplies.
  • The pantry has provided nearly 15,000 meals since its opening.

What they鈥檙e saying: 鈥淭he only requirement we have is that you鈥檙e a UAA student,鈥 said Pantry Director Amanda Walch. 

Visitors at the new pantry location look inVisitors look inside the new pantry location at the relaunch party.

Zoom in:

  • The pantry operates on donations from faculty, staff, and students, as well as support from initiatives like 鈥淧arking for the Pantry.鈥 This program designates specific weeks when parking citation fees are redirected to the pantry.
  • Beyond food, the pantry also connects students with resources for hygiene and basic living needs, which include items like toothbrushes and feminine hygiene products.

What鈥檚 next:

  • Collaborations with campus groups and programs, such as Dining Services and the Alaska Native, Indigenous & Rural Outreach Program, aim to make resources even more accessible. Plans include distributing pre-packed food bags to students directly through these groups, reducing barriers to access.
  • The pantry is adding a student lounge with a grant from the Rasmuson Foundation.

Staff member points to a media board on an easel as a visitor looks on
Dr. Emily Faerber, a Dietetics and Nutrition Assistant Professor who assists with the pantry, talks to an attendee at the relaunch party about ways to promote the pantry.

How you can help: 

  • Organize a food drive using the pantry鈥檚 template. Email uaa_seawolfpantry@alaska.edu for the template.
  • Donate to the UAA Food Insecurity Fund via the UA Foundation account. Just visit the and select "UAA Food Insecurity Fund" from the list of available funds.

Learn more:

  • Visit the Seawolf Food Pantry鈥檚 for details on hours, resources, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Follow on and .