Pantry

a student foodbank

Did you know that around 43% of post-secondary students across Canada are food insecure? Sounds pretty high, right?

Do you know what being food secure means? Many people joke about students living off of instant noodles and chalk that up to the university experience, but that is actually what some people have to go through during their studies! Someone living like that might be facing food insecurity.

The below definition was taken from the World Vision website

“ 1. What is food security?
The Food and Agriculture Organization defines food security as “all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.”

In other words, food security is having consistent, reliable access to safe, nutritious food. Four components determine food security:

  • Availability: “Does food exist near me?”
  • Access: “Can I get to food easily?”
  • Utilization: “Will this food contribute to my health and well-being?”
  • Stability: “Will food be available tomorrow, next week, or next month?”

When any one of these components is stressed or unmet, it’s considered food insecurity.”

The SUO started Pantry: A Student Foodbank in October 2019 to help address the very real, immediate need our students have for emergency food supplies. While food banks are not a long-term solution to the food security issues that students face, we strive to help fill a small gap while advocating for long-term solutions within the institution and Canada.

How does Pantry work?

Step 1 – GRAB A BAG!
Take a bag or two to use to carry your food. We try to reuse plastic bags from the community, so if you have bags at home we will put them to good use! We also reuse fabric tote bags, feel free to put any you don’t use anymore in the bins in Pantry!

Step 2 – TAKE WHAT YOU NEED.
Using the guidelines, take what you need to get you through a few days.
Please keep in mind that we serve other students, so be considerate when taking food.

Step 3 – NEED SOMETHING SPECIFIC?
For those students with food allergies, restrictions, or dietary needs we have hampers available. Fill out a hamper request form, email it to pantry.foodbank@suo.ca and we will have it ready according to our pickup schedule. You will see your pickup date in your confirmation email.

Step 4 – HAVE ANY FEEDBACK?
Something we’re missing? Suggestions to improve the food bank? Questions or concerns?
Email us at pantry.foodbank@suo.ca with your comments, ideas, and suggestions!

Is it after hours and you have an urgent need for food?
Please see Campus Security in the Administration building (ADM) and let them know!

Do you want to make a donation?

We can accept donations of food items or monetary donations at the Student Union Front Desk located in UNC 133. If you have donations you would like picked up or any questions about donating, please email us at pantry.foodbank@suo.ca

Items that are needed on a regular basis

  • Rice
  • Pasta
  • Pasta sauce
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned vegetables
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Chili
  • Beans
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Ramen
  • Soup
  • Oatmeal
  • Snack foods (apple sauce, fruit cups, etc…)

Need a hamper?

Please be aware that not all items are available and will be provided as we are able.

***We are currently not able to provide meat or meat alternative products except in canned form.

Please fill out a hamper request form

 

We value your privacy! When picking up your hamper, please inform reception that you are picking up a package and give your first name.

Want to lend a hand?

Please fill out the volunteer form

Where to Find Us

1st floor, University Centre Building | Room 131  (UNC)

Address

Pantry: a student food bank
1st floor, University Centre Building (UNC)
3272 University Way
Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday

10am – 4pm