Los Angeles, CA (November 12, 2025) |
University Credit Union (UCU), a financial cooperative serving the university community, has accelerated its annual donations to university food pantries and basic needs programs to help meet rising demand among students, faculty, and staff affected by the ongoing government shutdown and reduced SNAP benefits.
Each year, UCU provides financial support to campus programs addressing food insecurity. This year, recognizing the immediate impact of the shutdown on university communities and beyond, UCU advanced its donation timeline to ensure resources reach those in need sooner.
UCU pledged dollar donations each to the following university food pantries and basic needs programs:
- Loyola Marymount University – LMU Food Pantry
- University of California, Davis – The Pantry
- University of California, Irvine – Basic Needs Center
- University of California, Los Angeles – CPO Basic and Essential Needs
- University of California, San Diego – Triton Food Pantry
- Santa Clara University – Bronco Food Pantry
- Saint Mary’s College – Gael Pantry
Additionally, UCU is partnering with Abilene Christian University (ACU) to match faculty and staff donations to the Kirby Fund up to a specific amount, which supports all on-campus food pantries, including those in residence halls and staff facilities.
“Food insecurity doesn’t wait for the calendar year to turn over,” said Megan Eisenhard, Chief Growth Officer at UCU. “We felt it was critical to act now, because even small disruptions in support can have a big impact on a person’s ability to focus, learn, and thrive. We’re proud to be part of a network that looks out for one another” she said.
By moving up the donation cycle, UCU is reaffirming its commitment to not only financial wellness, but also to the overall well-being of the academic communities it serves. These donations are part of UCU’s larger initiative to support members during financial uncertainty, including access to emergency assistance, a robust financial education program, and flexible credit and lending solutions.
“At UCU, we view basic needs as foundational to the success of our communities,” Eisenhard added. “We know that when members of our university community face hardship, collective action matters, and that’s why we’ll continue to show up early, consistently, and with compassion.”
For more information on how UCU supports university communities and more, visit ucu.org.