The SA Food Bank offers temporary aid by offering students access to an on-campus food bank located at our office. We can provide a 3-day supply of food to students and also refer those who require long-term assistance to the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank.
Understanding Food Bank Services:
Our Students’ Association Wellness Hub offers the Emergency Food Bank to support students facing various levels of food insecurity. It is important to distinguish between different situations to ensure that our resources are utilized effectively and can support those in the greatest need. By understanding these distinctions and examples, we can ensure that our Emergency Food Bank services are used appropriately and remain available to all students in need. Our goal is to support you through any challenges you may face and help you maintain your well-being throughout your academic journey.
Urgent Emergency Food Insecurity:
Students experiencing urgent emergency food insecurity are those who have no food available and no immediate means to obtain any. This situation required immediate assistance to prevent hunger and ensure well-being. Examples of urgent emergency food insecurity include:
- You have run out of food and have no money to buy more.
- You are unable to access other food resources or support networks.
- Your immediate situation poses a risk to your health and well-being due to lack of food.
If you find yourself in this position, please use the Emergency Food Bank service as soon as possible.
Financial Need with Tight Budgets:
Students who are managing tight budges and have limited food availability fall into a different category. While they may have some food, their financial constraints make it difficult to maintain a consistent and nutritious diet. Examples of financial need with tight budgets include:
- You have some food but not enough to last until your next source of income.
- You are struggling to balance food expenses with other financial obligations.
- You have limited food but are not in immediate danger or running out.
If you are in this situation, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our Health and Wellness Coordinator to discuss additional resources that can help you manage your budget and food supply more effectively.
What Does Not Count as an Emergency:
It’s also important to understand situations that do not qualify as urgent emergency food insecurity:
- You have funds available but are choosing to allocate them elsewhere.
- You have loans available but do not want to use those funds to avoid repayment.
- You recently arrived in Canada and are adjusting to budgeting, despite having financial support as required by immigration/study permit agreements.
- You have resources available through family, friends, or other support networks but prefer not to use them.
Special Note for International Students:
International students are required by the Government of Canada to demonstrate financial sufficiency before being approved for study here. As of 2024, this includes having at least CAD $20,635, plus first-year tuition and travel costs. This financial support is intended to cover living expenses, including food, for at least the first year. If you are an international student and find yourself without funds or food within the first weeks or months of your arrival, it’s crucial to re-evaluate your budget and financial planning. The Emergency Food Bank is available to support students in genuine need, but please be mindful of the commitments made under your study agreements.
What to Expect When Accessing the Emergency Food Bank Service:
Setting Expectations:
Basic Nutritional Support: The food provided is intended to offer basic nutritional support during an emergency. While it may not include fresh produce or perishable items, it is designed to help you through a short-term crisis.
Acceptance of Available Items: It is crucial to understand that the food bank operates on donations, and the items we have available are what have been generously provided by the community. If you are truly in an emergency situation, please be prepared to accept the available food items. Turning down items like canned soups and Kraft dinners, which make up a significant portion of our stock, indicates that the need may not be as urgent.
Food Items Provided:
Shelf-Stable and Pantry Items: All of our food items are non-perishable and do not require refrigeration or freezing. This includes a variety of canned foods, dry goods, and other shelf-stable products.
Common Items: Our most frequently available items include canned soups, Kraft dinners, pasta, rice, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, and boxed meals.
Limited Fresh Items: Unfortunately, we do not have fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, or other refrigerated or frozen items available.
How to Access:
Confidential Appointments: To access the Emergency Food Bank, please call our office to schedule an appointment or stop by the office to fill out an intake form and schedule an appointment time. During the appointment, we will provide you with a 3-day supply of food based on what is available.
Additional Support: We are here to help beyond just providing food. During your appointment, we can discuss additional resources and support that may be available to you, including budgeting advice and connections to other community services.
Here are a few easy recipes!
There are several food drives that take place throughout the year to support the on-campus Food Bank. Be on the lookout for these events and consider lending a hand if possible. Additionally, please help spread the word to others who may be able to contribute.