THUNDER BAY — Food insecurity continues to rise throughout the country. However, there's not a lot of light shed on post-secondary students and their struggles with food scarcity.
Being a full-time student requires funds for tuition, basic living costs, and books and supplies for their programs. This does not leave much time for studying or rest, as many work part-time jobs to fill financial voids as the cost of living rises.
As the holiday season inches closer, hamper programs are often focused on families, seniors and those experiencing homelessness, but what about supplementary food programs for students?
Lakehead University Student Union helps support the Food Resource Centre, which is available to students at the university.
Sierra Garofalo, the Director of Food Security with the FRC, told TBnewswatch that usage has increased since last year, "September last year was about 160 [users], and this September we saw 217 students."
She noted that October saw an even higher jump from last year, with an almost 50 per cent increase in the number of students accessing the resource centre.
FRC reported that January of 2023 had the highest number of students needing additional food during the school year, when 302 students came through their doors. Garofolo expects that number to significantly increase this January, especially since there will be an influx of new students to the area.
"We do have a lot of international students; about 90% of our students are international students, and we are also seeing an increase of students who have dependents as well." Continuing, "So really just talking about these issues and making it open and trying to destigmatize it at the same time is super important to us."
The FRC does receive a minimal budget from the student union but relies primarily on donations from staff and community members, "We also do receive donations from the RFDA, and we're working on a membership with them. And we look at outside grant opportunities as well," continued Garofolo. "This past year, we did receive a grant from the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board."
Confederation College does have a similar program available through its student union called SUCCI, Student Union of Confederation College Inc. On their website, it's noted that "the food bank is supported through donations and a partnership with the RFDA."
Their Student Emergency Food Bank is accessible to current students.
A request for an interview was made to SUCCI, but no reply was provided at the time of publication.
Food donations can be made in person for both assistance programs.
