San Diego, December 12, 2025
San Diego State University’s Aztecs Rock Hunger campaign has achieved a new milestone, raising over $114,000 to alleviate food insecurity in the community. This year’s campaign exceeded last year’s record, showcasing the community’s dedication to combating hunger among students. The initiative has raised over $1 million since its inception in 2010, with funds supporting the SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team and local food banks. The campaign included events and extended its efforts to the SDSU Imperial Valley campuses, highlighting significant community engagement.
Aztecs Rock Hunger Sets New Fundraising Record in San Diego
San Diego State University’s campaign raises over $114,000 for food security
San Diego, CA – San Diego State University’s (SDSU) annual Aztecs Rock Hunger (ARH) campaign has reached an impressive new fundraising goal, bringing in $114,567 to combat food insecurity in the community. This contribution eclipses the previous record of $109,676 set in 2022, illustrating the resilience and generosity of local supporters dedicated to addressing this pressing issue.
The 15th iteration of the ARH campaign, held from October 27 to November 30, 2025, and organized by the university’s Associated Students, culminated in the record-breaking total announcement on December 11 at the Lee & Frank Goldberg Courtyard of Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. Since the campaign’s inception in 2010, it has successfully garnered over $1 million in funding to aid the SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT), the A.S. Food Pantry, and The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. This initiative reflects a strong spirit of community engagement in a city that thrives on innovation and support for one another.
Addressing Food Insecurity Challenges
This year’s campaign was particularly significant in light of various challenges affecting students, such as government shutdowns and delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These issues have extended the need for resources among students who often struggle to meet basic needs. Funds raised through ARH directly support initiatives aimed at alleviating these hardships, enhancing food security among SDSU’s student body and the broader community.
Amid these challenges, the California Student Aid Commission’s Food and Housing Survey reveals that two-thirds of college students in the state applying for financial aid experience food insecurity. The ARH campaign was designed to proactively address this issue and ensure students have access to vital food resources.
Expanding Reach and Community Engagement
For the first time, the ARH campaign extended its efforts to include the SDSU Imperial Valley campuses, where it raised nearly $1,500 across Calexico and Brawley. This expanded outreach signifies a commitment to supporting food-insecure students beyond the primary campus, fostering a unified approach to addressing the needs of all SDSU students.
The campaign featured various creatively themed events, including Splash for a Cause and Pie-rates for a Purpose, which not only served to raise funds but also engaged the campus community in meaningful ways. A notable highlight was the Friendsgiving with Aztecs Rock Hunger event, where local businesses collaborated to provide free meals for over 230 students, showcasing the power of community partnerships in tackling food insecurity.
Statistical Highlights from ARH 2025
In a testament to its effectiveness, 20% of the funds raised by ARH will directly benefit the SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team, which offers immediate resources for students facing food, housing, or financial crises. During the previous academic year, the ECRT distributed $28,000 in emergency food assistance, demonstrating the tangible impact these efforts have on student lives.
Additionally, the contributions support The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, which has become an integral part of this campaign. The food bank distributed an astounding 50 million pounds of food in the last year and continues to serve approximately 400,000 San Diegans each month. The longstanding partnership between ARH and the San Diego Food Bank also bolsters the A.S. Food Pantry’s operations, which provided over 155,000 pounds of food to students in the last academic year alone.
Community Support and Future Participation
SDSU President Adela de la Torre commended the extraordinary success of this year’s campaign, emphasizing that it reflects the values of compassion and generosity within the SDSU community. The ARH initiative not only meets immediate needs but also builds a culture of support and engagement among current and future Aztecs, nurturing a resilient community capable of facing challenges together.
For interested individuals seeking to continue supporting this vital cause or to learn more about future ways to get involved, the Aztecs Rock Hunger website offers further information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Aztecs Rock Hunger?
Aztecs Rock Hunger is an annual campaign organized by San Diego State University’s Associated Students (A.S.) to combat food insecurity among students and the local community. The campaign raises funds and collects food donations to support the SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT), A.S. Food Pantry, and The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
How much money was raised in the 2025 campaign?
The 2025 Aztecs Rock Hunger campaign raised a record-breaking $114,567, surpassing the previous record of $109,676 set in 2022.
How does Aztecs Rock Hunger support SDSU students?
Aztecs Rock Hunger supports SDSU students in two important ways. First, the proceeds provide food, including fresh produce, from The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, which is then distributed at the on-campus A.S. Food Pantry. On average, the A.S. Food Pantry distributes over 100,000 pounds of food per year. Second, 20% of the monetary donations go directly to the SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT), which helps students facing food or housing insecurity, and other immediate, unforeseen financial crises. ECRT served roughly 3,000 students in the 2024-25 school year with basic needs support.
How can I get involved with Aztecs Rock Hunger?
You can get involved by donating food or money during the campaign period, volunteering at events, or spreading the word about the campaign to others. Even if you are unable to donate financially, sharing information about the campaign helps others learn about its importance. Please share on social media, make announcements in your classes and meetings, and ask your friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers to donate.
Where can I find more information about Aztecs Rock Hunger?
For more information about Aztecs Rock Hunger, including how to donate or get involved, visit the official website.
Key Features of the Aztecs Rock Hunger 2025 Campaign
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Record-Breaking Fundraising | The 2025 campaign raised $114,567, surpassing the previous record of $109,676 set in 2022. |
| Expanded Reach | For the first time, ARH included SDSU Imperial Valley, raising nearly $1,500 at its Calexico and Brawley campuses. |
| Community Engagement | Events like Splash for a Cause and Pie-rates for a Purpose engaged the campus community, and local businesses partnered for the Friendsgiving with Aztecs Rock Hunger event, providing free meals to over 230 students. |
| Support for Students in Need | 20% of funds raised benefit the SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team, which distributed $28,000 in emergency food-related support to students in need during the 2024-25 academic year. |
| Partnership with San Diego Food Bank | Funds also support The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, which distributed 50 million pounds of food last year and serves 400,000 San Diegans monthly. |
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