Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center will mark its official partnership with University of the Pacific Athletics by committing $25,000 to expand the Pacific Food Pantry with a special announcement at Wednesday night’s men’s basketball game.

Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center became the official health care partner of Pacific Athletics in November. The partnership strengthens collaboration between the two organizations to expand community health initiatives and enhance efforts to train and retain skilled health care professionals in the Stockton community.

The initiative comes amid a sharp rise in food insecurity on college campuses nationally. Last year, more than 500 Pacific students used the food pantry, generating over 2,500 individual visits—a nearly 200% increase in demand over five years.

Students experiencing food insecurity face significant academic risks. They are 3.5 times more likely to consider dropping out of college, 40% less likely to complete an undergraduate degree and 60% less likely to complete a graduate or professional degree, according to student retention research.

"You cannot study, learn, grow and stay healthy when you are worried about where your next meal is coming from," said David Ziolkowski, president of Dignity Health St. Joseph's Medical Center. "St. Joseph’s is dedicated to ‘humankindness.’ This partnership will ensure students have the nourishment they need, fostering healthier individuals and ultimately a stronger, more resilient community."

The investment will fund the purchase of nutritious food, improve pantry infrastructure, including new refrigeration and freezers, and expand virtual food pantry options for students at Pacific's San Francisco and Sacramento campuses.

The partnership will be celebrated at Pacific's men's basketball game against University of Portland at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Alex G. Spanos Center. Attendees will have opportunities to win San Francisco 49ers-signed merchandise in raffles held throughout the game. The first 100 students will receive free pizza, and the first 500 attendees will receive Dignity Health water bottles and clear bags. Halftime ceremonies will feature a check presentation, performances by Pacific's pep band and dance team and appearances by Pacific’s mascot, Powercat.

“This collaboration demonstrates what's possible when organizations unite around a shared mission," said Pacific President Christopher Callahan. "We are grateful for our deep, growing and impactful partnership with Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center.”

For more information about the food pantry or to make a donation, visit the Pacific Food Pantry. To purchase tickets for the game, visit the Pacific Tigers ticketing site.