- University of Lethbridge has established holiday meals for international students who may not have families that they are able to stay with during the holiday season. This initiative also helps to address food insecurity that these students may be facing during this period, due to many businesses being closed and there being fewer work opportunities.
- The University of British Columbia has developed a Meal Share program that allows food insecure students to access a grant, once per semester, that allows them to purchase food on campus. Students can apply for the program through an online portal, and individual details are kept confidential so that students can use the funds without stigma.
- Queen’s University has developed a Fresh Food Box/Mason Jar Meal program that allows students to access fresh produce for a nominal cost. The boxes are designed to make nutritious foods accessible to food insecure students, while also promoting healthy eating, meal planning and alleviating stress. Students can pick up the boxes at a designated time, helping to maintain their confidentiality, while also supporting their overall wellness.
Food Insecurity
Food insecurity not only has a significant impact on one’s physical health, but it can also impact mental health and wellness. While food insecurity is a growing issue across Canada, following the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation, international students have unique vulnerabilities. Research has found that a lack of financial stability is the primary reason that students are unable to eat nutritious and adequate foods. Qualitative data collected nationally consistently indicates that international students are at a heightened risk of experiencing food insecurity. Accordingly, studies have demonstrated that international students are often juggling competing costs, without the resources or strategies to which domestic students are more likely to have access.
Being in a new environment also has an impact on food habits. Descriptive studies indicate that students often struggle to find foods that are familiar, sharing that even if these foods can be found, they are often in stores that are not easily accessible, making it difficult to access these foods regularly. Many students are responsible for planning their meals for the first time in their lives, and often struggle to find a balance. Research shows that many students also struggle to successfully find the time to properly plan, resource religiously appropriate foods and prepare meals.
Irrespective of the root cause, students who are unable to access adequate and nutritious foods suffer from heightened levels of worry, disrupted learning and poorer quality social relationships. Food insecurity also has a direct impact on academic performance and has been linked to poorer class and exam attendance. Students often report poor mental health outcomes, including higher levels of anxiety, anger, and weakened feelings of social connectedness. With the cost of living rising quickly, many international students are being forced to use food banks to meet their nutritional needs. A news article in the CBC from 2022 described an increase among the general population in usage of food banks in the Greater Richmond Area in British Columbia. According to data collected by one organization, more than 17% of those accessing food bank services were international students.
Community groups and resources have also become an important source for many students by providing discounted or free meals. In Brampton, community kitchens run by Gurdwaras (known as langars), provide culturally appropriate meals to many Indian students who live and study in the area. These meals continued during the COVID-19 restrictions, allowing students to pick up packed meals, helping to address food insecurity issues, while also alleviating any feelings of shame these students may associate with food banks. There are also several apps that aim to address this issue, promoting aging but consumable foods that restaurants and grocers would typically dispose of, to app users for a small fee. By using these apps, international students can access healthy foods at a significantly cheaper cost, while also supporting initiatives to reduce food waste in their communities.
For additional information on the impact of food insecurity on student mental health, see our infosheet on “Food Insecurity and Mental Health”.
SPOTLIGHT
Recommendations
- Enhance financial support for international students – Recognize the unique vulnerabilities of international students and provide increased financial assistance to address food insecurity.
- Examples include expanding scholarship programs, offering emergency grants, or creating dedicated funds specifically aimed at alleviating food-related challenges for international students.
- Improve access to culturally appropriate and affordable food – Collaborate with local communities, cultural organizations, and food banks to ensure international students have access to culturally familiar and affordable food options.
- Examples include developing partnerships with community kitchens, religious institutions, or other organizations that can provide culturally appropriate meals to international students.
- Raise awareness and promote existing resources – Increase awareness among international students of available resources such as discounted or free meals provided by community groups and organizations.
- Examples include developing communication channels, including online platforms and information sessions, to inform students about these resources. Additionally, promote the use of food waste reduction apps that offer affordable, consumable food options to international students, reducing their food expenses.
- Provide comprehensive support services – Establish support services that address the broader impacts of food insecurity on international students’ mental health, academic performance, and social well-being.
- Examples include counselling services, financial literacy programs, and workshops on meal planning and budgeting to empower students with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage their nutritional needs effectively.