Wellness and Work-life Balance
Read on for an important update about availability of Basic Needs resources over Spring break as well as information about new and updated services!
Read on for an important update about availability of Basic Needs resources over Spring break as well as new resources!
1. Finals Week and Spring Break Service Updates
The AS Food Bank will continue normal hours during finals week, which are Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm and Fridays from 9 am to 1 pm. Spring break hours for the AS Food Bank have yet to be determined. The Miramar Pantry will resume normal hours for finals week and the first week of spring quarter, which are Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm. The Miramar Pantry will be closed for all of spring break. The SNAC will resume regular hours during finals week and spring break, which are Mondays from 12:30 to 4:30 pm and Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 am to 4:30 pm, with the exceptions of Thursday, March 25th and Friday, March 26th when the SNAC will be closed all day.
2. Updated Resource Guides
UCSB Thrive has created a series of basic needs resource guides, including specific guides for international students, undocumented students, students without secure and stable housing, graduate students, and student parents. There is also an information slide for professors and faculty to incorporate in presentations. Please use these resource guides as a tool to help students who are seeking basic needs resources. They are located here.
3. New Basic Needs Information Center
The University of California website has launched a new basic needs information center, including data from the UC Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES) from 2016, 2018 and 2020 and the 2016 Graduate Student Well-Being Survey (GSWBS). The information center covers food insecurity, housing insecurity, and other topics. Access the data here.
4. Best Practice Highlight: UCLA Centers Traditional Marginalized Groups in Fitness Program
UCLA Basic Needs' Fitness Improvement Training Through Exercise and Diet (FITTED) is a program run by students that provides free fitness and health education services to UCLA students and student leaders. They value diversity and inclusivity to support traditionally marginalized groups and create a welcoming environment that reaches a wide range of students. They regularly post workouts and recipe ideas on their Instagram, @ucla_fitted and host educational Zoom events promoting holistic health and wellness. To learn more about the organization, follow this link.
5. Research Highlight: Effects of Food Insecurity on Mental Health
Cambridge University published a study in August 2020 that examines the effects of food insecurity on mental health conditions including depression, anxiety and stress among graduate students. This is the first study of its kind among graduate students, which are a population at higher risk for financial strain and adverse mental health conditions. The study concluded that nearly half of the students in the sample experienced food insecurity, and very low food security was associated with depression, anxiety and stress. This study highlights the need to support graduate students experiencing food insecurity and to address the connection between food security and mental health. To read more about the study, use this link.
6. UCSB Cooks Spring Application Now Open
UCSB Cooks is now accepting applications for Spring 2021. If you know any students who would benefit from this resource, please encourage them to submit an application. The program is a free 5 week cooking series that gives students hands-on experience to be successful and safe in the kitchen. UCSB Cooks hopes to empower students to nourish themselves while developing their cooking skills. Students will receive groceries and any cooking equipment needed to complete the weekly recipes. They will have the opportunity to meet new friends, learn to cook nutritiously on a budget, and enjoy balanced meals you prepare from the ease of your own home. The application is located here.