Addressing Food Insecurity Among Canadian Post-Secondary Students

Food insecurity is a growing issue in Canada, yet post-secondary students are often overlooked in national discussions and data collection. In reality, approximately 40% of Canadian post-secondary students report experiencing food insecurity. This issue is driven not only by rising food prices and inflation but also by the increasing costs of tuition, housing, and other essential expenses.

For many students facing financial hardship, food is often the most flexible area to cut costs. As a result, students may reduce their overall food intake or opt for cheaper, less nutritious options. Like all individuals experiencing food insecurity, students face a range of negative consequences. These include both physical and mental health challenges such as fatigue, illness, and depression. However, students also experience significant academic impacts.

Research indicates that food-insecure students may see their Grade Point Average (GPA) drop by an average of 0.5 points. Fatigue, stress, and the need to work longer hours often lead to increased absenteeism and diminished academic performance. Many students are forced to choose between purchasing food and essential academic materials, such as textbooks. Alarmingly, food-insecure students are 43% more likely to drop out of their post-secondary studies, limiting their future employment opportunities and perpetuating a cycle of financial instability and food insecurity.

The problem is expected to worsen in the upcoming academic year due to limited summer employment opportunities and rising costs influenced by tariffs and inflation.

In response, many universities have implemented food support programs to address student food insecurity. For example, Western University offers a food bank and a food hamper program through its University Students’ Council (USC). These services aim to support students in a confidential and non-judgmental manner. Food hampers are distributed through discreet lockers, and the food bank is open to any student in need.

As awareness of this issue grows, there is a pressing need for broader systemic support and more comprehensive data collection. Addressing student food insecurity is essential not only for individual well-being and academic success but also for the long-term health and equity of Canada's education system and workforce.

Further reading: https://students.usask.ca/articles/food-security.php https://globalnews.ca/news/11190056/summer-jobs-youth-employment/ https://globalnews.ca/news/10359720/western-university-undergraduate-students-food-insecure/