In 2023, there was a 51 per cent increase in food bank use in Toronto.
The North York Harvest Food Bank and Daily Bread Food Bank’s 2023 Who’s Hungry report revealed that one in 10 people in the city rely on food banks.
At the Student Association of George Brown College (SAGBC), the Student Nutrition and Access Program (SNAP) caters to students’ food needs through various programming.
Jessica Somersall, interim community services coordinator, shared that the number of students experiencing food insecurity at George Brown College (GBC) also saw an increase in 2023.
“We put out a survey for our students during the fall intake, and many students who said they are currently going through food insecurities have also expressed other stressors that impact their access to food. These stressors include job security, health care and housing,” Somersall shared.
A report that was published in September 2023 by the Daily Bread Food Bank shared the status of food insecurity within international students in Canada.
The trend across the country was that international students expressed a disconnect between their expectations and the reality of living expenses in Canada.
In response to this, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) increased the cost-of-living requirement for future study permit applicants to $20,635 from the previous $10,000 a year.
The increased financial requirement is aimed at preventing incoming international students from running short of funds during their stay.
However, students already in Canada continue to face the challenges of rising costs of living and continue to lean on food banks and other social services.
At present, SNAP runs various programs including a monthly grocery hamper program which caters to more than 1,000 students every month.
“We have our finance webinars series that’s happening, meals to go, which is our partnership with the culinary school where we can provide students at St. James specifically with individualized meals made by the students at culinary school. We have our nourishing go snack bags that are available Monday mornings at Waterfront, Casa Loma and at St. James in the populated areas,” shared Somersall.
Combined, the various programs serve more than 2,000 students at GBC.
“Compared to our numbers last fall at SNAP was only servicing students in the 100 range. But since then, we have more than doubled numbers in terms of how many students we’re impacting and serving. And we’re projecting an increase in those numbers in the winter semester,” she said.
SNAP partners with the Daily Bread Food Bank, from which most of the food served to students is sourced.
There are also other programs run by GBC such as the Good Food Program.
Ian Wigglesworth, associate vice president, student success said, “the Good Food Program, which aims to support food security and address social isolation through community food access hubs and events. Our Supper Club events, GoodFood Market, and Food Box Access Program, are three initiatives that fall under that umbrella.”
The GoodFood Market operates weekly at St. James campus. Students are able to buy food at affordable rates at the market. The Food Box Access program offers delivery of nutritious food to those who aren’t able to visit the GoodFood Market.
“On average, about 20 to 30 students engage in each Supperclub event, which is a free monthly community kitchen program for George Brown College students. At Supperclub, participants cook a meal together – which includes a soup, salad, main course, dessert – and eat together,” Wigglesworth added.
The Good Food Program has been in operation for over seven years with the Student Success division at GBC.
“The Good Food Program is the division’s most substantial and ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity and fostering healthy eating habits among our student body. This initiative is dedicated to ensuring that students have access to affordable and nutritious food options,” said Wigglesworth.
While options are available for students facing food insecurity on campus, the role played by general food banks in the city remains crucial.
Somersall, in response to the importance of food banks catering to international students said, “I think it’s a matter of taking access away from students, no matter their background, who was looking for adequate food sourcing. The reason food banks exist is from an equitable stance. With the need for equitable food resources. Students should never be turned away based on the factors but they have no control over some of the consequences.”
“Some consequences are furthering marginalization of individuals who are looking for adequate food supports continuing to perpetuate harmful stigma surrounding accessing food banks, and racial discrimination as well,” she added.
Specific data on GBC students facing food insecurity was unavailable at the time of publication.
