The University of Guelph-Humber Food Security Program pilot will also be the focus of Giving Tuesday fundraising campaign
The University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH) has introduced a two-year pilot project to address food insecurity among students, recognizing that many struggle to access food when faced with hunger.
The pilot, called the University of Guelph-Humber Food Security Program, is significant because of a stark reality it aims to improve: about one-third of U of GH students are experiencing food insecurity, according to our 2023 Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey.
This project will also be the focus of this year’s U of GH Giving Tuesday fundraising campaign on Dec. 3, which is a globally recognized day for charities and non-profits to solicit donations. The goal of the campaign is to raise funds to support the program past the initial pilot phase.
“You can't perform [as a student] if you're not feeding yourself,” third-year Early Childhood Studies (ECS) student Zoë Collat said, who’s volunteering for this program. “You would think if you can afford university, you can maybe afford food. But that's not always the truth.”
This program is supported by the Highest Priority Fund at U of GH. Students in need can apply, submitting a self-reported budget and statement of need. Then, applications are reviewed by a committee comprised of Student Financial Services and Student Services staff. Within two weeks, students will know if they’ve been approved.
Eligible students will receive funds each semester to put toward food purchases. The Fund, which will distribute $80,000 worth of supports over a two-year period, will provide students with money for on-campus food purchases.
The problem is widespread. According to our 2023 Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey, 35 per cent of respondents said they’ve skipped meals or reduced portions due to financial struggles, 39 per cent of respondents indicated they can’t always afford to eat balanced meals, and 29 per cent of respondents said they’ve been hungry but didn’t eat because they couldn’t afford food.
While feelings of shame or embarrassment could be attached to food insecurity, Collat said on-campus initiatives can help break the stigma, but it’s also key to let the community know everyone is welcomed so no one is singled out.
She has seen this with ECS’ Food for Thought program. The program provides snacks like granola bars and fresh fruit for students in any program, located in the ECS resource room at GH319. Additionally, Food for Thought is always welcoming donations.
“Everyone comes in; everyone's really happy. They just look around, they grab a snack, and there's more need than you would think,” Collat said.
Another notable resource is the Student Wellness and Equitable Learning (SWEL), which U of GH shares with Humber Polytechnic. Through SWEL’s CARE Team, students can access on- and off-campus supports to fit their specific needs. They can be contacted at care@humber.ca.
For the University of Guelph-Humber Food Security Program, applications for Fall 2024 are now open until Nov. 15. For Winter 2025, the application period is from Feb. 16 to March 17, and for Summer 2025, the application period is from June 9 to July 11.
Together, we can combat student hunger. To apply, please contact Student Financial Services, finaid@guelphhumber.ca, or visit the office located at GH 112.