Food insecurity a reality for students

ANTIGONISH, N.S. (CUP) — With the rising cost of tuition, the amount of money students have to fork out each month for rent, and the dreaded electric bill in winter months, it isn't surprising that a large number of post-secondary students are food insecure.

“Food insecurity” is defined as being unable to obtain or consume enough nutritious, safe and personally acceptable food in a socially acceptable manner, or the uncertainty that one will be able to do so.

This may seem like a common occurrence to a student, but the reality is that individuals who live in food-insecure households are more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions later in life, macro- and micro-nutrient deficiencies, and poor self-rated health and wellness.

A 2004 national study conducted by the Canadian Association of Food Banks revealed that student food banks distributed regular food hampers to more than 3,100 post-secondary students in 2004.

Of these students, almost 50 per cent were single, indicating the increased risk in this population group. Shockingly, the number of food bank hamper requests has more than doubled in student food banks since 1993.

Another recent study published by Dietitians of Canada evaluated the adequacy of Canada Student Loan funding and risk for food insecurity in post-secondary students who rely on financial assistance to fund their education. It was found that even with excellent shopping skills and budgeting, the $196 that Canada Student Loans allocates as monthly food costs for students was commonly exceeded.

Students who rely on loans are likely to have insufficient finances for a nutritionally adequate diet. This is why student food banks exist at more than 50 campuses across Canada; despite the fact that food insecurity holds many negative stereotypes in our society, it's important to realize that unfortunately, most students will face times of food insecurity.

- With files from Dietitians of Canada, Health Canada & Statistics Canada