image by Aaron Doucett
Donors are generously helping UM students that are most in need
The holiday season is quickly approaching, a time when we often think about how we can help others in our community. It is also a time when the UM Food Bank is very busy. Since the pandemic, use of the food bank has increased from assisting around 75 students to now over 200 students each month.
When a student is struggling to pay for tuition, rent, and books – sometimes they have little left over to put food on the table.
“After converting our savings to Canadian dollars, we realized that we didn’t have quite enough to get by,” says Maria Cortes, Master of Arts student, The Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS). “That’s when I discovered the UM Food Bank. I reached out, and we received a box full of food. It made such a difference as we started our new life in Canada.”
Donors have already contributed over $259,000 to the UM Food Bank this year alone, but our students still need support. The cost of everything is going up. Donations to the UM Food Bank not only help put essentials like non-perishable food into students’ cupboards but also personal hygiene items, like toothpaste, shampoo, and soap. This support has a pronounced impact on a student’s life.
“I was relieved when I found the UM Food Bank. It helped supplement food for my family, contributing to about 10% to 15% of our needs. That may not sound like much, but for newcomers, it was a huge gap to fill,” says Jason Denis, MBA Student, Asper School of Business. “Your donation helps students like me get the essentials we need for ourselves and our families, so that we can better focus on our classwork.”
Anyone wishing to help our students succeed can make a financial donation online, including easy options for one-time and monthly donations. Contributions via payroll for UM faculty and staff can be made here. Food donations can also be dropped off at many locations across the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses.
Any student wishing to use the UM Food Bank can find more information on the Food Bank’s website.