Student Government Launches Food Assistance Program
Kodiak College Student Government Launches Food Assistance Program for Local Students
In response to the federal government shutdown, furloughs for federal employees, and delays or reductions in SNAP benefits, the Kodiak College Student Government Association (SGA) has launched a new Food Assistance Program to support students experiencing increased food insecurity on Kodiak Island.
SGA has committed $5,000 to the new initiative, which will provide eligible students with essential groceries quickly and confidentially. This effort supplements the $7,400 SGA has already designated for student emergency support this academic year. Each semester, SGA allocates $3,000 to its Student Emergency Fund, which will continue to build until it reaches a sustainable cap of $20,000. Over the past three semesters, the Emergency Fund has distributed approximately $1,600 to students experiencing unforeseen financial challenges.
The Food Assistance Program is designed to remove barriers that can slow support to students in crisis. Through this model:
Students living on Kodiak Island and enrolled in at least one Kodiak College course
will receive an email invitation to apply.
Requests will be reviewed confidentially; only the Director of Kodiak College will
see student names.
Purchases will be made directly and provided to students within 24-48 hours, without
creating taxable income reporting requirements or requiring extensive paperwork.
Student leaders developed this program thoughtfully and intentionally after evaluating
other options, including gift cards and emergency account disbursements, which can
take longer to process or result in tax implications.
“Kodiak College’s Student Government is deeply committed to caring for their peers,” said college Director and SGA Advisor Jacelyn Keys. “Their awareness of student need, their careful planning process, and their willingness to act demonstrates their leadership and compassion. I am, as always, incredibly proud of these people.”
Students residing off island may continue to submit requests to the existing Student Emergency Fund, but are not eligible for this food-specific program due to logistical constraints.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to direct students toward the form if they express concerns about food access in the coming weeks.
This initiative reflects a growing culture of student-led support on campus, demonstrating how civic engagement, thoughtful planning, and empathy can positively impact the Kodiak College community.
For more information, students can complete this form.