Nevada State University students teaming up to help provide healthy food to AAPI community
Finding your next meal as a college student may come with challenges, including the lack of access to healthy food. The Asian American Pacific Islander Association (AAPIA) at Nevada State University has partnered with the Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) to provide food distribution boxes for students who lack access to healthy food. According to Rechelle Ault, the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that food prices will rise by 25% from 2019 to 2023. The AAPIA members have packed up a variety of food, which they expect to feed up to 100 students. Edelweiss Solano, Director of Family Services at ACDC, said the organization has been working to address health disparities among the Asian community for several years. The event aims to raise awareness about resources available for students struggling, and invite students to join them for their Aloha Sunset Celebration on campus in 2024.
发表 : 2个月前 经过 Mary Jane Belleza, Linsey Lewis 在 Health
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Finding your next meal as a college student may come with challenges, including the lack of access to healthy food.
That’s why Rechelle Ault, president of the the Asian American Pacific Islander Association (AAPIA) at Nevada State University has teamed up with the Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) to provide food distribution boxes.
“Most of the time they’re eating whatever they can and let’s be honest everything is so expensive right now, even like a bag of rice,” Ault said.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. food prices rose by 25% from 2019 to 2023.
She and other members of the AAPIA spent time packing up a variety of food, they expect to feed up to 100 students.
Now those students who are miles away from home can have a little piece of home.
Edelweiss Solano Director of Family Services at ACDC said the organization has been working to address the health disparities specifically amongst the Asian community for the past several years.
“We have identified that it is important to provide culturally relevant food items for our members so when they open the food box, oh this is something I can cook, it’s something I can prepare for at home so what you can typically find in an Asian household, it’s something that’s familiar to them,” Solano explained. “Access to food is critical because food insecurity is one of the threats for students well being, health, and academic success.”
Students can get up to 4 bags of food, full of dry goods, rice, meats, and fresh produce.
Ault said getting the word out is key, as they want everyone to know there are resources available.
“I feel like there’s that stigma that says well it’s kind of embarrassing to let everyone know I’m struggling even though that’s not something you’re supposed to be embarrassed about because it happens and all of us need help once in a while,” Ault added.
The AAPIA at Nevada State and ACDC are inviting students to join them this Friday, April 5th, 2024 from 4-6 pm for their Aloha Sunset Celebration on campus. They’ll hand out food distribution boxes and provide other help.
ACDC offers a ton of services including food assistance, vaccines, health insurance enrollment, and much more.
话题: Academia