University of Michigan Senior Fights for Food Justice: A Journey to Law School and Beyond

Food Justice Advocate Jayden Beed: Making a Difference at UM

Growing up in Missoula, Jayden Beed learned the importance of sharing early on. Her mother often sent her to school with extra food or money for classmates in need. This experience left a lasting impact on Beed. “I have always been very passionate about people having enough,” she says.

Now a marketing senior at the University of Montana, Beed is set to attend law school next fall. Her commitment to helping others drives her involvement with the College of Business and Davidson Honors College. She eagerly embraces every opportunity, believing in her ability to uplift student voices.

One of her proudest achievements came from an honors class focused on food justice. The class combined research with community outreach, helping her understand the realities of food insecurity. Reflecting on her childhood experiences, Beed was determined to make a change.

Through her work on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council, she created a food pantry in the Davidson Honors College (DHC). This initiative added to the existing UM Food Pantry, making resources more accessible for hungry students who spend time at the honors college. Dean Tim Nichols praised Beed’s perseverance, saying, “Jayden doesn’t take no for an answer.”

The pantry now offers food and self-care items, thanks to Beed’s frequent drives to keep it stocked. She’s also tech-savvy, planning to add a QR code for students to request specific items. Nichols emphasizes its importance, stating that the pantry helps students who struggle to pay their bills.

In a 2020 survey, about 60% of UM students faced food insecurity, but only 40% were aware of available resources. Beed is committed to changing that. “A lot of people are not educated on the resources available,” she notes, highlighting a crucial gap in awareness.

Encouraged by Nichols, Beed attended the Western Regional Honors Council Conference, where she collaborated with students across the country to address food justice issues. She also presented her work at various conferences, sharing her passion and inspiring others.

In addition to her advocacy, Beed has gained legal experience working as a legal assistant at Reep, Bell, and Jasper PC, a Missoula law firm. She’s pursued a minor in communications and a certificate in philosophy, politics, and law. Her passion for debate and justice naturally led her to consider law school.

Though she’s still deciding on a specialization, Beed intends to incorporate food justice into her future legal work. “How can a college student achieve their potential if they can’t even eat?” she asks, underscoring the necessity of addressing basic needs.

Beed’s journey is just beginning. She recently joined the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center’s HR and Governance Board Committee, aiming to expand her impact. Ultimately, she hopes to inspire others to join her in the fight for food justice. “No matter what I do, I hope I look back and see that I’ve ended my advocacy career with many people standing with me,” she says.

As her journey unfolds, Dean Nichols believes Beed will use her future career to bring about positive change. “She embodies ferocity, drive, and uncommon kindness,” he says, underscoring her unique ability to combine strength with compassion.

Jayden Beed is not just making a difference in her community; she’s shaping the future of food justice, one step at a time.

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