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Household food insecurity is a serious problem for families across Canada. In 2017-18, Statistics Canada reported that one in six Canadian children under 18 were impacted by food insecurity.

The University of New Brunswick’s Student Union (UNBSU) is a student-run not-for-profit organization on the Fredericton campus that advocates for the needs of students and organizes events and services to enhance the student experience. One of UNBSU’s priorities is to offer solutions to all students experiencing food insecurity or looking for healthier and more sustainable options and they are doing so through their initiative, UNBSU Food.

Through UNBSU Food, the Student Union strives to increase on-campus access to healthy and affordable food. Educational opportunities and hands-on learning experiences are offered to educate students on the importance of localized and equitable food systems.

“UNBSU Food ensures students have one of the most basic needs met, access to good nutritious food. Students cannot be successful unless they have this need met,” says Nicole Collier, UNBSU Food coordinator. “Through our programming, we aim to address this need with immediate support through our food bags and hamper food box program, and with long-term sustainable solutions through our workshops and education opportunities. I encourage all students to access our programming to learn more about food security on campus.”

The sustainable and budget-friendly food services offered by UNBSU Food include:

• Community Garden - Students, staff and community members can grow their own food throughout the summer months and into the fall using the community garden located on the Fredericton campus. Plots cost $10 and include access to the community shed which provides all the basic tools needed to garden. Plots for April 2022 will be available for purchase in December.

• Community Food Smart - The fresh food bag program is available for individuals and families interested in purchasing quality fruits and vegetables at affordable prices from local farmers. The produce bags, offered by Community Food Smart, are sold in the Student Union Hub for $15. Orders are due the first Wednesday of every month and are delivered Thursday of the following week.

• Hamper Food Box – Students needing access to the food bank can sign up to be part of the hamper food box program. The boxes come from Greener Village Fredericton and contain approximately five to six days’ worth of food or more depending on household size. Buyers can arrange to have the food boxes delivered or pick up is available at the SUB.

Students, staff and community members interested in signing up for any of the available food programs can do so on unbsu.ca.

Media contact: Kathleen McLaughlin

Photo credit: Jeff Crawford