SFSU Student Wellness Program
A one-semester evidence-based program designed for SFSU undergraduates — learn how to eat smarter, spend less, and feel better on a student budget.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding the problem is the first step toward change.
Convenience foods high in sodium, sugar, and refined carbohydrates dominate the college diet, contributing to weight gain, fatigue, and poor academic focus.
Students often rely on cheap, calorie-dense processed options because healthy food is perceived — and sometimes genuinely is — more expensive and time-consuming.
Most undergraduate students receive little to no formal nutrition education in their degree programs, leaving them without tools to make informed food decisions.
Campus and neighborhood food environments often make processed foods the path of least resistance, reinforcing poor dietary habits throughout the academic year.
Program Curriculum
Delivered across one semester, blending online content with hands-on in-person workshops.
Know the Difference
Understanding the difference is the foundation of this program.
High in sodium, added sugar, saturated fat, and artificial additives. Linked to inflammation, fatigue, and chronic disease risk.
Rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Support energy, focus, immune function, and long-term health.
Workshop Schedule
| # | Workshop Title | Date | Time | Location | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kickoff: Know Your Food | Feb 3, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 PM | Cesar Chavez SC, Rm 220 | In-Person |
| 2 | Label Reading 101 | Feb 17, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 PM | Zoom (link via email) | Online |
| 3 | Farmers Market Field Trip | Mar 3, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 AM | Clement St. Farmers Market | Field Trip |
| 4 | Budget Meal Planning | Mar 17, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 PM | Cesar Chavez SC, Rm 220 | In-Person |
| 5 | Cooking Demo: Quick Whole Meals | Apr 7, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM | FCS Building, Kitchen Lab | In-Person |
| 6 | Food Marketing & Diet Culture | Apr 21, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 PM | Zoom (link via email) | Online |
| 7 | Mindful Eating Workshop | May 5, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 PM | Cesar Chavez SC, Rm 220 | In-Person |
| 8 | Reflection & Goal Setting Showcase | May 19, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM | Cesar Chavez SC, Rm 220 | Celebration |
Quick Tips for Students
No perfection required — just one swap at a time.
Prep a big pot of rice, beans, or lentils once a week. Under $5 and feeds you for days.
Replace sodas with sparkling water or unsweetened tea. Save money and reduce sugar instantly.
Place apples or bananas on your desk or bag. You're more likely to eat what you can see.
Canned beans, tomatoes, and tuna are cheap, nutritious, and shelf-stable — perfect for busy students.
Whole foods line the outer edges of most grocery stores. Interior aisles are where UPF lives.
If income-eligible, CalFresh provides $200+/month for groceries. Apply at GetCalFresh.org.
Campus & Community Resources
Free resources available to SFSU students right now.
Nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian for enrolled students.
health.sfsu.edu →Free groceries including fresh produce. No income verification required.
dos.sfsu.edu →Monthly grocery funds for eligible students. Apply online in minutes.
getcalfresh.org →Every Sunday 9am–2pm, near campus. EBT/CalFresh accepted.
agriculturalinstitute.org →Free evidence-based nutrition resources, recipes, and tools for limited budgets.
snaped.fns.usda.gov →Free weekly produce and groceries to 700+ Richmond District residents.
richmondsf.org →All handouts, slides, and videos from the 30-minute Real Food, Real Health intervention session — free to download and use.
14-slide PowerPoint with speaker notes. Pre- and post-survey QR codes included.
Download .pptx5-minute in-session activity. Three product pairs — can you spot the UPF?
Download PDF7-day swap challenge, pantry audit, and 3 commitment goals. Post-survey QR included.
Download PDFRun-of-show, answer key, engagement prompts, prep checklist, common Q&As.
Download PDFHow industrial food disrupts your heart and metabolism — LDL, hypertension, insulin resistance, and NAFLD.
Download PDFThe hidden toll on your microbiome, brain, and long-term health — nitrosamines, emulsifiers, and depression risk.
Download PDFWhy UPFs are engineered to keep you coming back — bliss point science, child vulnerability, and hidden deficiencies.
Download PDFHow eating close to nature protects your heart — lower LDL, blood pressure reduction, and insulin sensitivity.
Download PDFNourishing your microbiome, immunity, and mind — SCFAs, vitamin D, zinc, and the gut-brain axis.
Download PDFThe science of living longer — Blue Zone evidence, telomere protection, cancer prevention, and your 5-step plan.
Download PDFOvernight oats, veggie scrambled eggs, and a green power smoothie — energizing whole-food mornings.
Download PDFRed lentil soup, kale & quinoa power salad, and a brown rice Buddha bowl — satisfying midday meals.
Download PDFBaked salmon, black bean stir-fry, and a whole-food snack trio — hearty evenings and smart snacks.
Download PDF📊 Part 1 · Needs Assessment
Baseline survey data, community needs findings, and statistical analysis from Part 1 of the project.
📊 Part 2 · Intervention
Pre- vs. post-intervention survey results — knowledge scores, confidence ratings, and outcome data.
Test Your Knowledge
A quick 5-question quiz to check your baseline.
Surveys
Your feedback helps us measure the impact of this educational program. Please complete both surveys — one before and one after going through the program materials.
Join NutriGators
Receive workshop reminders and access exclusive resources.