About Us
Basic Needs supports students in reaching their full potential at SFSU by responding to student hunger and housing insecurity. We are committed to developing student-informed, data driven basic needs programs and resources that promote health equity, student leadership and a community of care.
Our Mission
To address student hunger and homelessness by developing sustainable and student-informed programs and policies that support the university’s educational mission.
Institutional Support
San Francisco State University is committed to advancing basic needs initiatives that align with social justice principles—reducing stigma, promoting self-determination, and creating systemic solutions that reflect our values of equity and community. Supporting students’ basic needs is essential to their engagement and well-being, a core focus of the CSU Graduation Initiative 2025.
Basic Initiative Committee
Composed of students, staff and faculty from all cabinet areas, the Basic Needs Committee, serves as a permanent shared governance entity to advise University administration on priorities and best practices in responding to students’ basic needs. The committee has formally adopted the final report developed by the SF State Ad Hoc Work Group on Responding to Food and Housing Insecurity and submitted to the Vice President.
Get Involved
Want to get involved in basic needs work at SFSU? Email BasicNeeds@sfsu.edu to introduce yourself if you’re interested in:
- Receiving updates about ways to get involved
- Interning with SFSU Basic Needs for a class
- Interviewing someone working on Basic Needs
- Donating to Basic Needs and learning more about our work
Interested in volunteering at the AS Gator Groceries Food Pantry? Visit the AS Gator Groceries website.