GDA Addresses Dental Student Food Insecurity With New Food Pantry
Nearly half of dental students may experience food insecurity, according to national studies. The Georgia Dental Association (GDA) is responding with a new food pantry at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University to help dental students meet basic needs while completing their education.
National studies have found that 46% of dental students experience food insecurity. For students already managing the significant costs of dental education, access to food can add another financial and personal challenge during an academically and clinically demanding time.
The GDA Food Pantry provides shelf-stable foods, quick meal options and other essentials at no cost to dental students. Student feedback helps guide what is stocked, ensuring the pantry remains aligned with the needs of the students it serves.
“Dental students are making a significant investment in their education and in their future careers,” said GDA President, Dr. Peter Shatz. “Helping students meet basic needs is one way to support them as they prepare to become the dentists who will serve Georgia communities for years to come.”
Supporting our students is an investment in the future of oral health care in Georgia,” said Dr. Greg Griffin, Associate Dean of the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. “The Georgia Dental Association’s food pantry provides practical support for students today while helping ensure that tomorrow’s dentists have the resources they need to successfully complete their education and enter the profession.”
Established through the generosity of GDA and its member dentists, the initiative reflects the association’s commitment to supporting Georgia’s dental workforce and the students preparing to enter the profession.
GDA is seeking support from dentists, dental practices, businesses and community partners to help stock and sustain the pantry. Donations of needed food items will help ensure students have access to essential resources throughout the academic year.
Laurence B, Marshall TA, Qian F, Robinson-Warner G, Kumar A, Handoo N, Anderson C. “Food Insecurity was Associated With Poorer Sleep Quality and Increased Stress Among Dental Students at a HBCU and a Predominantly White School.” Journal of Dental Education. 2026;90(7):1044–1053. DOI: 10.1002/jdd.70067. Food Insecurity was Associated With Poorer Sleep Quality and Increased Stress Among Dental Students at a HBCU and a Predominantly White School - PubMed