With one in three college students facing food insecurity, these future social workers are tackling the problem, one donation at a time. 

When basic needs become barriers to education, community must step in. That’s the driving force behind No Coog Left Hungry, a student-led initiative created by University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) MSW students Alexandria Cardenas and Hallie Hasenbank. 

The food drive, which runs through December 3, 2025, supports the Cougar Cupboard, UH’s on-campus food pantry located in University Lofts. The pantry provides up to 30 pounds of groceries per week to any enrolled student—a lifeline for many who struggle to keep their kitchen cupboards full.

The urgency is clear: one in three college students already face food insecurity, a statistic that existed even before threats to SNAP benefits during the recent government shutdown. “Nobody should have to sacrifice basic needs, including food, to pursue an education,” says Hallie, whose focus in macro social work centers on advocacy and policy.

Hallie Hasenbank, graduating in May 2027, is passionate about systemic change and policy advocacy. Her co-lead, Alexandria Cardenas—also graduating in May 2027, which is the Centennial year of UH and the GCSW’s 60th—focuses on clinical social work and has a deep commitment to mental health and international social work. Both students bring personal experiences and leadership roles to the initiative: Hallie serves as interim president of the International Social Work Association, while Alexandria is reviving the GCSW Student Association.

For Alexandria, the mission is personal: “I grew up in a lower-middle-class household and remember facing food insecurity as a kid. I want students to know they’re not alone.”

About the Initiative

No Coog Left Hungry aims to amplify awareness of Cougar Cupboard and the prevalence of food insecurity among students. Beyond raising donations, the drive promotes visibility for resources that many students don’t know exist. “The visibility of the drive is not just for raising donations—it’s also for getting the word out about the resource itself to people who need it,” Hallie explains.

How Can You Help?

The campaign uses a three-pronged donation model that allows our Houston community a variety of ways to get involved to ensure our University of Houston students have what they need to succeed.

• Time – Volunteer to sort and distribute donations.
• Money – Contribute funds through Cougar Cupboard’s official page or text CUPBOARD to 71777. 
• Resources – Donate essential nutritious, shelf-stable foods and hygiene items. 

Essential items include:

• Personal hygiene products (such as menstrual products and deodorant)
• High-protein, low-sodium canned goods (beans, tinned fish)
• Rice and soups for complete meals
• Canned fruits packed in water (not syrup)

Donations can be placed in collection boxes across campus at locations such as the Mehta Family Pavilion (inside the GCSW), UH Wellness Center, and Cougar Grounds (inside the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership). For larger donations (more than 20 items), donors can email the Cougar Cupboard to schedule a drop-off time.

Although the drive ends December 3, Cougar Cupboard’s need for support continues year-round. Visit the Center for Student Advocacy and Community page to learn how you can help beyond the campaign.