UCSD - University of California - San Diego

05/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/14/2026 09:17

UC San Diego iTable Basic Needs Program Wins International Award

Published Date

May 14, 2026

Article Content

While many international students may be far from home, UC San Diego is making sure that these students aren't far from help. Earlier this year, the Association of International Education Administrators awarded UC San Diego the 2026 Innovative Excellence in Internationalization Award for its iTable Basic Needs Program.

The iTable Basic Needs Program supports international students facing barriers to food and housing assistance. The program was launched in 2018 by UC San Diego's International Services and Engagement Office in partnership with The Hub Basic Needs Center, a center that provides resource referrals for basic needs to UC San Diego students.

Because many international students are ineligible for state assistance programs such as CalFresh, iTable provides short-term emergency grocery aid and connects students to essential campus resources, helping them meet basic needs so they can focus on their academic and professional goals.

The AIEA recognized the iTable Basic Needs Program for providing significant emergency food support to international students, with most participants reporting meaningful improvements in their well-being, focus and academic performance.

Three students shared with UC San Diego Today how iTable has made a difference in their lives.

(Photo courtesy of Hannah Pham)

Hannah Pham

A data science graduate student from Vietnam, Pham discovered iTable during an event between Basic Needs and International Services and Engagement Office.

ITable, "has helped me always have healthy food options," Pham says. "I utilize iTable to buy fresh produce and food at supermarkets, so I can buy the produce that I usually avoid due to costs, and afford more protein."

For Pham, iTable had a positive impact on her experience at school. "As an international student, there were times when I felt stressed about affording groceries and taking care of myself," she shares." I remember going to the store and having to think carefully about every item, sometimes putting back fresh produce or protein because I was worried about the cost." Through iTable, she was able to cook healthy food and have healthier meals. "It may seem like a small thing, but it meant a lot to me," Pham says. "It made me feel relieved and supported during a difficult time. Having access to healthy food helped me feel more stable and allowed me to focus on my classes and continue my experience at UC San Diego with less worry."

Peizhu Zou

Peizhu Zou, a third-year Triton from Beijing who is studying bioengineering and bioinformatics, discovered iTable through a recommendation to the Basic Needs Hub from a mentor.

Zou uses iTable for more than just food. She also purchases day to day items such as shampoo and toothpaste. "I don't have to worry about distracting myself from the physical hunger and the uncomfortableness of not meeting hygiene needs." Zou says.

Zou explains the misconceptions that surround many international students. "Many people are shocked that international students who pay full tuition to study and live in La Jolla face basic needs problems, but things happen, and it's genuine hardship." Zou says. "I'm very, very lucky that my problems are not severe enough to kick me out of the school due to being unable to pay my tuition, but I still face a basic needs crisis like many other students here."

"Many people are shocked that international students who pay full tuition to study and live in La Jolla face basic needs problems, but things happen, and it's genuine hardship." Peizhu Zou
(Photo courtesy of Leia Kawamura)

Leia Kawamura

Leia Kawamura, a student from Japan working toward a Master of Science in Business Analytics, discovered the program during a tabling event by the Triton Food Pantry.

"Many international students such as myself need a job to support themselves and fund living expenses," she says. "However, finding a job is difficult because of visa requirements."

With the iTable program, Kawamura is grateful for the support in which it allows her to have better access to healthy food. By giving her peace of mind in providing basic necessities, the program allows her to focus on building a community for herself on campus.

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With the iTable program, UC San Diego continues to push for student support and ensure resource equity for all Tritons. "The iTable Basic Needs Program is an exemplary model of cross-campus partnership" commented the AIEA, pointing to how it reflects UC San Diego's "values of inclusiveness, respect, and a strong sense of communal responsibility."

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