U of GH gives free food to students while sharing information on food supports on campus during a special event
The Food Security Fund, provides eligible students with funds to put towards food purchases and the deadline to apply is March 17, 2025.
It’s no secret that life as a university student is expensive. For many, budgets are stretched to their limits with the high cost of living, even for those working multiple jobs. And for some students, financial barriers can also prevent them from accessing basic necessities like food.
To fight the stigma associated with food insecurity and to inform the student body about programs offered at the University of Guelph-Humber that aim to address this pervasive issue, staff and student volunteers held an event on campus called “Meals That Matter.” The event also promoted the Food Security Fund, which provides eligible students funds to put towards food purchases (deadline to apply is March 17 for the winter semester).
Food insecurity is a serious problem. According to our 2023 Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey, about one-third of U of GH students are facing food insecurity. Twenty-nine per cent of students said they’ve been hungry but didn’t eat because they couldn’t afford food, and 35 per cent of respondents said they’ve reduced the size of a meal or skipped it altogether because money was tight.
“You should be able to rely on your community to support you when there’s food insecurity,” Early Childhood Studies student volunteer Savannah Munro said.
During the event, staff members from Student Services and the Early Childhood Studies program, as well as student volunteers, gave away free snacks as they shared information about food supports on campus. IGNITE, the student union, also provided frozen soups for students to take for free.
Student Services Department Head Susan Thomas said by opening the event to all students using the “take what you need” approach, it can help reduce the stigma for accessing food and asking for support.
"There is still a stigma around food insecurity which can cause students to feel shame or embarrassment. But they’re not alone,” Thomas expressed. “Good nutrition is important to students' physical and mental wellbeing and supports their academic and personal success. Every student should have access to food when they need it.”
The Food Security Fund isn’t the only initiative at U of GH to fight hunger. Other supports include:
- The IGNITE Soup Bar: Provides free soups for students, courtesy of the student union and in partnership with Humber Polytechnic, in the LinX Lounge (LX110).
- Food for Thought: Co-ordinated by the Early Childhood Studies (ECS) program, Food for Thought provides snacks like granola bars and fresh fruit for students in any program, located in the ECS resource room at GH319.
- Student Wellness: U of GH shares this resource with Humber Polytechnic, and through SWEL’s CARE Team, students can access on- and off-campus supports to fit their specific needs.
- Humber Value Meals program: U of GH students can purchase affordable meals on campus as a cost-effective dining choice.
“If we really want people's brains functioning, and we want to make sure they can do their best at their classes and succeed academically, we really have to prioritize making sure that food is affordable [on campus],” Munro said. “There’s a hot dog stand [on campus], where they’re going for $5. I think that’s a really good way to start. If we could get reduced costs for meals on campus, it would be great, and people would be vocal about how beneficial it is.”
After all, Guelph-Humber is more than a place to study and learn; it’s a community where everyone has the opportunity to feel cared for.
“As a community we are here to support one another and there is a lot of help here when and if students need it,” Thomas said.
To donate to the Food Security Fund, click here.
