Anchorage, AK – Seawolf Dining & Catering at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) has been actively enhancing the campus dining experience through exciting new initiatives, sustainability efforts, and community-driven programs. Over the past several years, Seawolf Dining has continued to evolve, responding to student needs, improving food options, and making a lasting impact on campus and beyond.
Seawolf Dining & Catering has been at the forefront of combating food insecurity and homelessness through its Hunger & Homelessness Support Network. This initiative has made a profound impact on the UAA community by ensuring students facing hunger have access to nourishing meals, fostering partnerships with local organizations, and hosting events that raise awareness and provide direct support. While delivering high-quality meals remains an essential part of Seawolf Dining’s mission, its efforts extend far beyond the dining table. The team has worked tirelessly to address food insecurity through programs like Swipe Away Hunger, the Seawolf Food Pantry, and fundraising events such as the UAA Spirit Run: Run Against Hunger. Additionally, initiatives like Spoonful of Support, held in collaboration with the Brother Francis Shelter, highlight Seawolf Dining’s dedication to community engagement and advocacy. Sustainability and innovation continue to be a priority, ensuring that UAA students not only receive excellent food but also benefit from eco-conscious practices and improved dining experiences that reflect their needs and values.
In Fall 2022, Creekside Eatery reintroduced action stations, allowing students to enjoy fresh, customizable meals such as Mongolian BBQ, pasta, and omelets. At the same time, freshly made in-house soups returned to all campus retail locations, adding a comforting and nutritious option to the menu. The following spring, traditional porcelain serving ware, silverware, and glassware made a comeback at Creekside Eatery, restoring a sense of normalcy and quality after challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. That fall, the reopening of Varsity Sports Grill reestablished it as a premier event venue, hosting monthly Employee Mixers, sporting events, and department celebrations. Creekside Eatery also reintroduced Late Night dining, providing students with meal options during extended hours, which saw record attendance levels, the highest in over a decade.
Seawolf Dining has made significant strides in sustainability, prioritizing eco-conscious practices that reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility. In Fall 2024, the Creekside Hydroponic Garden Program restarted, growing fresh herbs used in campus meals, reinforcing the institution’s Green Star® certification held since 2010. Another milestone was reached in Spring 2025 when plastic water bottles were phased out in favor of infinitely recyclable aluminum cans, a significant step in the commitment to reducing single-use plastics on campus.
Beyond providing nutritious meals, Seawolf Dining has played a key role in addressing food insecurity and fostering inclusivity within the UAA community. In Spring 2023, the Swipe Away Hunger Program returned, enabling students to donate unused meal blocks to those in need, with 1,297 meal blocks donated to date. The Fall 2024 UAA Spirit Run: Run Against Hunger raised nearly $3,000 for the UAA Food Insecurity Fund, supporting programs like the Seawolf Food Pantry. That same season, Seawolf Dining partnered with the Brother Francis Shelter to host Spoonful of Support, a roundtable discussion on homelessness followed by a meal service for shelter guests. The commitment to community engagement continued in Spring 2024 when a partnership with the Alaska Black Caucus brought a cultural celebration event to Varsity Sports Grill, featuring black-cultured cuisines, music, and discussions on social progress.
Looking ahead, Seawolf Dining remains dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of students while enhancing convenience and accessibility. In Spring 2025, the on-campus retail grab-and-go program will return, offering freshly made salads, wraps, and parfaits at retail locations. Additionally, students can look forward to the introduction of FoodSpot Unattended Microstores, which will provide convenient access to fresh food items, including salads and sandwiches, during building open hours.
With a forward-focused approach, Seawolf Dining & Catering continues to enrich the UAA experience through high-quality dining, sustainability initiatives, and programs that foster community well-being. The team remains steadfast in its mission to provide an innovative and supportive dining environment for students and the greater UAA community.
Comments