Meet Us!
The ASI Food Pantry is supported by two full-time career staff, three lead student employees members, eight College Corps student fellows, and more than 100 volunteers from campus and the surrounding community.
We rely on a collaborative team structure, with staff, student employees, fellows, and volunteers each contributing to the operation. Each person plays a critical role in running the program’s five core services: storefront, lockers, resource library, Free Groceries Pop Ups, and events.
Career Staff
River Truong (he/him) – Food Pantry Coordinator
I first started in Food Access interning at a pantry in East Palo Alto. I carried this passion into working at UC Davis, where I worked to create a series of mini pantries and expanded the Fresh Focus produce distribution program in their student centers. I later came to work for the California Department of Social Services, where I coordinated grants and oversaw inventories/orders for the major food banks of the 58 counties of California. Before coming to ASI, I spent the last few years working with our local Food Access partner organization, Alchemist CDC, for the Calfresh/Market Match and Community Food Connections programs.
Outside of work, I’m a big fan of the outdoors. I use a lot of my time off to go hiking, camping, and roadtripping all over California. I hit up the Crest, Tower and Cinemark theaters nearly every week, especially on discount Tuesdays or the $2 Crest showings! Probably like everyone who works for the ASI Food Pantry, I love food. I always appreciate a good restaurant recommendation!
Ryan Choi (he/him) – Student Services Manager
I have spent my last eight years in basic needs, serving college students. My journey first started in 2018, when one of my 3rd grade students tearfully asked me where he could find food because his parents had recently divorced and had stopped packing him lunch. I realized I needed to learn more than pedagogy and classroom management to successfully support my students — helping students meet their basic needs became a calling for me. My mission now spans three programs: the ASI Food Pantry, KSSU Radio, and the ASI Safe Rides program. As a systems thinker, I care about the meal on the table and the policy that determines whether it’s there next year. I track threats to SNAP, CalFresh, and CalFoods funding and lead research at Sac State to assess food distributions and basic needs support.
I take pride in helping students navigate the challenges of college life and achieve their goals. I am a lifelong learner, booklover, and home cook, always experimenting with new ideas, stories, and culture!
