We are sharing an update on the Strategic Plan deliverable, “Develop a plan to increase student food security, including partnerships with campus services and external organizations.” This important work supports our commitment to foster vibrant and inclusive communities at BCIT.
Students with food insecurity make up 31% of domestic students and 47% of international students (Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey, 2023). 23% of BCIT students said they “didn’t have enough food to last and could not get more” (CCWS, 2023). The rise in food costs since 2021 has almost tripled in Canada in relation to other items (Government of Canada, 2026). Food insecurity can impact students’ academics with a lack of nourishing food, overall wellbeing and mental health, and increased stress (BCCDC, 2026). Food insecurity is often tied to other financial pressures and affordability stressors, compounding the impact. (CCWS, 2023).
Since 2022, the BCIT Food Security Committee has brought together BCIT departments and the Student Association to advance student food security through collaboration on short-term food supports, food skills and nutrition education, and improvements to food systems that are sustainable, decolonized, and culturally relevant. The Committee is currently developing this work plan to further strengthen student food security.
The Food Security Committee has organized several initiatives this year, including the Indigenous Garden spring planting events (one at Tall Timber and one at the Indigenous garden) in partnership with Indigenous Initiatives. Partnering with the BCIT Foundation, we are fundraising for more food security initiatives through the Student Wellbeing Action Fund.
We are currently focusing on research and have completed a scan of comparable post-secondary intuitions in BC and Canada, a literature review of best practices, and a map of our current BCIT food security initiatives. In the coming months, we will be running focus groups to hear directly from BCIT students about how we can improve food security at BCIT. This research will ensure that our work is rooted in evidence, knowledge, and the lived experience of our students.
To give back you can get involved in the following ways:
- Attend the Growing Together: Indigenous Garden Harvest and Food Security Gathering on September 23 to hear traditional medicine and harvest teachings. Stay afterwards to enjoy a bowl of the Three Sisters soup made with produce grown in the garden.
- Bring groceries to the Community Fridges in SE2 or SE16 on the Burnaby Campus to help students get access to food.
- Join the Food Security Committee and help make a difference, email amanda_unruh@bcit.ca.
- If you are an employee, follow this Sharepoint page to stay up to date with new initiatives and supports for student food security.
Thank you,
Amanda Unruh
Health Promotion Strategist
Tahira Syed
Manager, Student Financial Aid & Awards
Commitment: Foster vibrant and inclusive communities
Initiatives:
- Holistic student development
- Relevant education and sustainable practices
- Comprehensive student engagement and support
Deliverable: Develop, through the Food Security Committee, a work plan to increase student food security, including partnerships with campus services and external organizations.