UM Food Bank needs your support!
The University of Manitoba Food Bank is in need of support from the community to help meet unprecedented need. Since the return to in-person services in 2022, the food bank has seen an increase from about 75 to 600 students per month seeking support. This increase in need has also been noted at food banks across the country.
With the rising cost of living, more and more students are struggling to afford their basic needs, while trying to focus their studies. Some students are trying to pay bills and forgoing meals – no student should study on an empty stomach. We have all felt the strain of rising prices at the supermarket – what used to fill a trunk now barely fills a bag. The U of M Food Bank, can, and has helped to alleviate this stress by providing non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products to students in need. Our ability to support students and learners relies directly on donations from the community and there has never been a greater need for these donations than right now.
Two students who visit the UM Food Bank noted the crucial difference the food bank has made for them. One shared: “I would like to applaud the initiative of the school to reach out to donors for their support in feeding students. The food bank has been helping me with my academic pursuit because I have the assurance that there is something for me at the end of the month, as such I fully concentrate on my studies. Also, I would like to gratify the inclusion of high-protein varieties of food in the bank.” Another stated: “The food bank has been a great help in easing some of my financial concerns, especially as an international student, and allowing me to focus more on my studies.”
You can find lists of needed items on the U of M Food Bank website – but food bank coordinator, Mauricio Munoz, noted that people shouldn’t hesitate to stray from the list! Munoz mentioned that, especially with the holiday season coming up, things like chocolates, cookies, candy, and other themed treats and items are greatly appreciated by students using the food bank. If items are shelf stable, they are welcome, this includes bulk packages of individually wrapped items. Some other high demand items include baby items such as diapers, baby food, and formula. The food bank team confidentially coordinates with students and learners to arrange the collection of donations. Munoz shared that it doesn’t matter how much or what you are able to donate – everything helps as it all goes directly to aiding students in meeting their basic needs. He stated, “[you] can make a student’s month complete by just donating to the food bank.”
Donations of food or personal hygiene items can be delivered directly to the food bank in room 518 UMSU University Centre Building on the Fort Garry Campus, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Bannatyne Campus, donations can be brought to the UMSU Answers Booth on the main level of the Brodie Centre, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (calling before-hand is recommended – 204-789-3993). One-time financial donations or payroll deductions are also appreciated, more information is available on the U of M Food Bank website.
Donations, in any form, make a tangible difference in the lives of so many in the UM student community, so, if you are able, please consider donating.
To increase awareness and support the growing need, drives and fundraising events are currently being planned. Follow the UM Food Bank on Instagram [at]uofm_foobank, check out their website, and keep an eye out for future UM Today articles to find out more about upcoming events, but know that donations are accepted and appreciated at any time. If you have questions about donating or facilitating a pickup on Fort Garry campus, please contact the team at foodbank[at]umanitoba[dot]ca.
If you are seeking support
If you need support and are enrolled as a student (full or part-time) in the current academic term, you may be eligible to access the UM Food Bank services once every four weeks. Find out more about the food bank here.