Number of students accessing food bank increasing due to affordability concerns

University of Manitoba photographed on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (John Woods/The Canadian Press)

More students are relying on the student food bank at the University of Manitoba.

According to the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU), around 600 students access the food bank every month, compared to just 75 a month before the pandemic.

Prabhnoor Singh, the president of UMSU, said a survey goes out to students every year asking if there are any concerns and what could be improved.

Singh said many respondents mentioned affordability and food insecurity as their main concern.

“I’ve had the opportunity to connect with students one-on-one. There are many anecdotes that I can recall where students had to decide between paying tuition or textbooks and putting food on their table. I feel like no student should have to worry about putting food on their table or going to classes hungry,” said Singh.

He said UMSU has worked to help students as much as possible, from yearly holiday hampers and free breakfast and lunch programs, to additional financial aid for groceries.

As well, UMSU has recently made a $20,000 donation to the food bank.

Even more alarming for Singh is the fact that most of the students accessing the food bank are international students.

“Along with paying three to four times the tuition rates and working a limited amount of hours, they also have to pay for health care in the province.”

These factors, mixed with not always having a healthy diet at school, can really impact their educational journey.

Singh is calling for more support from the provincial government to help reduce costs for students and make their lives easier.

“One of the things that we have been running on consistently is that the province treats all students equally.”

In a statement to CTV News, Renée Cable, the minister of advanced education and training, said the government is working to address the financial pressures that students face, including addressing the rising cost of groceries.

“International students are an important part of our campuses, our communities, and our economy in Manitoba,” said Cable. “These measures are part of our commitment to creating a more stable and affordable environment for international students who choose to study and build their futures here.”