This blog is written by:
Allisyn Lam: Allisyn is a recent graduate of William & Mary, where she served as the first President of Food for All, the university’s student-led organization addressing food insecurity on campus. She also helped lead a statewide student coalition that successfully advocated for the bipartisan Virginia Hunger-Free Campus Act, establishing a $500,000 grant program to strengthen campus food pantries across the Commonwealth. Through her work, Allisyn created sustainable structures of support so every student could focus on learning without worrying about their next meal. She continues to champion food justice and community well-being beyond campus.
After graduation, I found myself missing something I didn’t expect – the structure that made it easy to show up, help out, and make a difference daily. Between classes, clubs, and the constant rhythm of campus life, many students like me invested time into improving food access for our peers and became part of a nationwide effort to advocate for student basic needs. Student hunger doesn’t end when we graduate but the way we fight it often has to change.
Food justice work is one of the most meaningful movements students across the country can take part in. I know that was the case for me. Every can stocked, every dollar raised, and every student provided with a sense of security was part of something greater than ourselves. Then, with the shift during graduation from being a student to entering the adult world, that structure — the meetings, volunteer shifts, and the simple act of showing up — suddenly disappears. You move into new cities, new jobs, new routines, and realize you’re not sure where to begin again.
I used to think that continuing my advocacy meant starting another project from scratch. Over time, I realized it could look different: smaller, more personal, but just as impactful. Volunteering at local food banks, supporting community fridges, donating when possible, or championing current students leading campus efforts are all meaningful ways to stay engaged. Staying informed about hunger research and policy, or reaching out to organizations like Swipe Out Hunger helps bridge the gap between college activism and community involvement.
The fight against student hunger is part of a much larger movement for food equity. We have seen how food has the power to build community and is at the heart of fostering deep human connection. Once you’ve seen how access to food shapes opportunity, you start to notice the same patterns in other parts of life: students skipping meals, workers choosing between groceries and rent, families struggling to keep the fridge full. The lessons embodied in this work, like empathy, leadership, problem-solving, are powerful tools you carry forward.
Your advocacy doesn’t have to end when you walk across the stage. It just evolves. Whether you become a mentor, volunteer, donor, or community advocate, the impact remains. Wherever you go, that instinct to care becomes the quiet thread connecting each new chapter of your life.
Watch this video to learn about the student led movement in Virginia to pass the Hunger Free Campus Bill and explore opportunities to connect with other student leaders in our national network here.
