As a Master’s in Applied Psychological Science (MAPS) Co-op student, I had the incredible opportunity to complete both of my work terms with Food First NL, a provincial non-profit dedicated to advancing the right to food in Newfoundland and Labrador. Although it was initially not my first choice for a work term, the experience opened my eyes to the realities of food insecurity, something I had never personally encountered before, and ultimately made me the student I am today. Now, as a third-year PhD candidate in Social Psychology, where I study what Canadian potential jurors know and believe about interrogations and confessions, and how they evaluate different types of evidence when coming to verdict decisions, I continue to work part-time with Food First NL as a Program Assistant – I am the co-op intern that never left! Although my academic research and professional work cover vastly different topics, this unique combination of experiences has been invaluable. While my PhD focuses on legal psychology, my role at Food First NL centers on advancing food security in our province and helping food banks adopt more dignified models. This intersection led me to an ongoing project investigating the scope of food insecurity on Memorial University’s St. John’s campus, aiming to improve the operations of the MUN Campus Food Bank and advocate for equitable policy change. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities my Master’s program afforded me, as they truly inspired (and continue to inspire) me to continue working toward meaningful change at both the community and institutional levels.

The Scope of Food Insecurity Among Post-Secondary Students

Food insecurity is an increasingly recognized issue among students in post-secondary institutions worldwide. Food insecurity, defined as limited or uncertain access to adequate food, affects not only students’ physical health but also their academic performance and mental well-being. A growing body of research speaks to the significant extent of food insecurity among college and university students, along with the potential solutions that could alleviate this pervasive problem. In Canada, a 2021 Meal Exchange report indicated that 56.8% of students face food insecurity, with 20.7% classified as severely food insecure.

Several factors contribute to food insecurity among post-secondary students, including rising tuition and living costs, insufficient financial aid, and unstable, low-wage employment. Students from marginalized communities, such as Indigenous and racialized groups, are disproportionately affected. Additionally, limited access to affordable, nutritious food on campus further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for students to maintain a nutritious diet while completing their studies.

Potential Solutions to Combat Campus Food Insecurity

Addressing food insecurity on campus requires a multi-faceted approach, involving institutional, community, and policy-level interventions, and there are some key strategies that Canadian institutions, policymakers, and students can advocate for.

Expanding and Improving Campus Food Programs

Many campuses have established food banks to provide students with food directly, but these programs are often under-resourced and unable to alleviate food insecurity entirely since food insecurity is an issue of income to which food banks only offer temporary relief. Expanding campus food-related services to include meal-sharing programs, discounted meals, or food and grocery vouchers or gift cards can help alleviate campus hunger in the short term. However, campus food banks and other charitable food programs can only be used as critical stop-gap solutions, not long-term ones.

Located at the MUN St. John’s campus, the MUN Campus Food Bank is actively working to improve its policies and procedures to better serve the campus community. As part of this effort, they are collaborating with Food First NL to conduct a survey that is open to the entire St. John’s campus community, regardless of whether or not you have used the Campus Food Bank, and regardless of whether you are a current or former student, faculty, staff, or community member. The survey will gather insights to better understand students’ experiences and challenges with food and food insecurity on campus, and your participation will help improve the Campus Food Bank’s services and strengthen their advocacy for equitable policy change. Additional information about the survey is at the bottom of this article.

Subsidized Housing and Rent Control

Affordable student housing and rent subsidies can ease financial strain, freeing up resources for food. Rent control for student housing could further reduce housing pressures, as high rent is a major contributor to student food insecurity. Offering more affordable housing and increasing financial aid options can help mitigate these challenges.

Financial Aid and Scholarships Targeting Low-Income Students

Expanding targeted financial aid, grants, and scholarships for low-income or food-insecure students can help alleviate economic strain. Research shows that students receiving emergency grants or targeted aid are less likely to face food insecurity. Universities can also offer rent subsidies and emergency grants to provide short-term relief during financial crises, such as that offered by McGill University, helping students meet basic needs like food and housing.

Student Employment Opportunities

On-campus employment and paid internships can offer students income without disrupting their studies, especially for international students facing work restrictions. The Canadian Federation of Students has identified part-time employment as a means to alleviate financial pressures but also notes that tuition and living expenses often surpass what students can reasonably earn while studying.

Partnerships with Local Food Producers

Collaborating with local food producers can bring fresh, affordable food to campuses. Initiatives like Farm to Cafeteria Canada demonstrate how local sourcing can provide nutritious options for students at a reduced cost while supporting local agriculture, creating a more sustainable food system. Expanding such partnerships to include food co-ops and community gardens can further enhance students’ access to affordable, nutritious food.

Food Literacy Programs and Student-Led Initiatives

Universities can develop food literacy programs to teach students how to budget, shop, and prepare nutritious meals. Supporting student-led initiatives like food co-ops, community gardens, food hubs, or cooking classes can also empower students to better manage limited food resources, helping to reduce food insecurity. Such programs can improve student access to nutritious food and help students maximize the utility of their food budgets.

Government Policy Interventions and Advocacy for Systemic Change

Provincial and federal governments can reduce food insecurity through investments in education, lowering tuition, and offering universal food access programs. Increasing non-repayable aid, like the Canada Student Grant, can help students meet basic needs without relying on food banks or credit. Student groups and coalitions can advocate for systemic changes like tuition freezes, expanded grants, and improved social safety nets. Universities can collaborate with advocacy groups and government bodies to push for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity, ensuring long-term solutions for students.

Conclusion

Food insecurity among post-secondary students is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. As the research reveals, it affects not only students’ ability to succeed academically but also their physical and mental health. However, potential solutions — ranging from expanding campus food services to enacting systemic policy changes — offer hope. By prioritizing food security and supporting students through targeted interventions, post-secondary institutions can ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive, and that no student has to choose between their education and their next meal.

Interested in Completing the Campus Community Survey?

Your voice matters! If you are interested in participating in the St. John’s Campus Community survey hosted by Food First NL on behalf of the Campus Food Bank, you can contact Madison Hynes (Program Assistant, Food First NL) at madison@foodfirstnl.ca for more information.