OVERVIEW
On average, two in five post-secondary students classify as food insecure. Food-insecure students are more likely to experience lower sleep quality, lower grades, poor mental health, higher perceived stress, and are at higher risk for disordered eating and other physical health issues.
BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ students are more at risk of being food insecure due to economic inequalities related to high tuition fees and low financial aid support from government loans.
In a survey conducted in May 2021, Capilano students were asked about their experience with food security. Respondents reported that they felt that students going hungry was a common issue and that addressing students’ needs related to food insecurity should be a major priority.
The CSU has made addressing food insecurity an organizational priority, seeking to increase access to produce on campus, provide easier access to nutritionists and dieticians, give students opportunities to learn food-based skills, and provide affordable ways for students to get access to food.
FOOD ASSET MAP FOR CAPU STUDENTS
“Food assets” refer to places where people can grow, prepare, share, buy, receive or learn about food. These food asset maps highlight low-cost groceries, supplemental food pantries, neighbourhood houses and community centres with food literacy programs, direct farm produce sales, and garden plots.
MORE FOOD ASSETS MAPS
RESOURCES
CSU Community Cupboard
A resource for Capilano University students in need of immediate food. Available both online and in-person.
North Shore Neighborhood House
A community-based hub to support the needs of nearby residents and other community members. They offer multiple services including food literacy programs, opportunities for free/low-cost meals, and daycare services.
Spoon University
Spoon University is a student-forward and student-led resource for recipes, food hacks, and articles with tips and tricks tailored to student lifestyles.
PARTNERS
Edible Garden Project
Run by North Shore Neighbourhood House, Edible Garden Project connects community members to local food through opportunities to grow food, buy food grown by local farmers, as opportunities to attend workshops and programs related to sustainable gardening practices. CSU has partnered with Edible Garden Project to create relevant workshops and programs with student lifestyles in mind, and are available throughout the term.
Vancouver Food Runners
Vancouver Food Runners is a non-profit organization that supports sustainability and cyclical food systems. Vancouver Food Runners takes good quality unused food from restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and other food sources, and redistributes it back to the community. Vancouver Food Runners provides food on campus to create produce bags and support CSU’s Community Cupboard.
Quest Food Exchange
As part of the Community Cupboard, students can earn referrals for Quest Food Exchange, a subsidized/low-cost grocery store. Quest Food Exchange mirrors a typical grocery store and stocks produce, dairy, baked goods, frozen items, meat, fish, poultry, and pantry staples. Quest also stocks organic gluten-free and low sugar options.