The Simon Fraser Student Society and Simon Fraser University have reached an agreement to increase funding for the Emergency Food Bank Program.

The food bank program provides financial support to students through food vouchers that are redeemable at locations near all campus locations. These locations are Nester’s, Safeway, and SFU’s Burnaby Campus Dining Hall. Students can apply for up to three separate $25 vouchers per semester. it is intended to support students who are in emergency need.

This program has faced significant challenges in recent years and has incurred a deficit due to increased usage by students. Annual reports indicate there is a continual increase in the usage of the program. This year alone, the program is forecasting a $20,000 deficit.

The program is currently funded by a student levy (25 cents per full-time and 13 cents for part-time students) and a contribution of $16,000 from Simon Fraser University.The deficit amount is covered by the Simon Fraser Student Society’s operational budget.

“Given the increasing usage, it is evident that students find value in this program. We recognize its importance and will continue to support it by finding ways to alleviate the issue of undergraduate food insecurity,” remarks VP University Relations Erwin Kwok.

Now, SFSS and SFU have reached an agreement where SFU will be increasing its contribution to $20,000 for the program. In addition, SFSS and SFU will jointly fund up to $20,000 on a research project dedicated to food security and addressing the financial pressures faced by students.

“We are happy to be working with the Simon Fraser Student Society on this important initiative to support SFU students,” says Dr Nancy Johnston, Vice Provost, Students & International pro-tem.

SFSS and SFU representatives will be convening meetings in January with the SFU community to find ways to address the food insecurity issues faced by students.

For more information on the food bank program please click here.

Share and Enjoy !