The rise of student food insecurity
Food insecurity has reached record highs in Canada, and students are among the hardest hit. Many uOttawa students are balancing studies with part-time jobs and a monthly income under $1,000, forcing some to skip meals or eat less to make ends meet. One student put it plainly: “Without the Food Bank, I would've spent some days with an empty belly.”
But in 2025, the UOSU Food Bank, which receives some of its stock from the city-run Ottawa Food Bank, was suddenly at risk of offering less to students. In 2024, the Ottawa Food Bank reduced its support for essential items, such as milk, eggs, fresh produce and dried goods, by 65%. For the student-run service, this cut could have meant turning students away.
Community support and creative partnerships kept pantry open and accessible
But the uOttawa community stepped in to make up for the shortfall. Through generous donations to the uOttawa Fund from faculty, staff, alumni and friends, and a new purchasing partnership with Chartwells, the Food Bank increased its supply. The $100-worth of groceries per student visit grew to as much as $150, an increase of about 40%, to provide an extra $75,000-worth of food to students in need.
And it wasn’t just more food, it was a better variety of food. The Food Bank was able to source 18 new items, including yogurt, juice, bagels and fresh produce, which improved the nutritional profile of the food they provided to students, adding vitamins, protein and fibre. What’s more, the UOSU Food Bank was open for more days than previously: they recorded only three closures over the past academic year, compared to biweekly shutdowns in the past.
From emergency service to welcoming space
To meet this growing demand, the Food Bank moved to a new, larger location, complete with prep tables, fridges and extra shelves. The UOSO Food Bank became more than a service: it became a welcoming, dignified space for students in need.
Beyond groceries, the team created community. They partnered with International House to serve Iftar meals during Ramadan and offered workshops on cooking and budgeting to give students tools for today and resilience for tomorrow.
Meeting real student needs, one grocery bag at a time
From September 2024 to March 2025, the UOSU Food Bank served more than 2,400 students. Over half were international students, many unemployed. Most identified as members of racialized communities, and 40% worried about running out of food. A third reported skipping meals or eating less to stretch their budget, a reality that affected their health, well-being and academic success.
Thanks to community support, the UOSU was able to ease that pressure, and students appreciated these efforts: the Food Bank was voted the best UOSU service of the year.
When students are nourished, they can focus, learn and thrive. That’s why your support matters — and why the UOSU Food Bank will keep working to ensure no Gee-Gee goes hungry.
