University of Alberta Campus Food Bank donation drive

The University of Alberta Campus Food Bank hosted its annual “trick or treat” food drive Saturday to help those struggling with the cost of living.

“The Campus Food Bank serves not just students, but also faculty, staff and alumni, and our faculty, staff, and alumni numbers have been going up the past few years,” said food bank executive director Erin O’Neil.

The food bank says demand for its services has quadrupled over the past two years. Organizers say with tuition and the general cost of living going up, students are finding it hard to afford their most basic needs.

“Last year when we surveyed our clients they pointed to increase in tuition, increased grocery prices, and increased rent as the reasons they are coming to us,” said O’Neil. “This year clients have pointed to a general lack of funds.”

The Campus Food Bank estimates 5,000 pounds of food are distributed each week to 1,500 clients.

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Student-volunteers went door to door to collect donations during the food drive. They say they understand the difficulty faced by many students because they experience them first-hand.

“I never even thought about groceries or utilities or rent going up that much,” said volunteer Thanusha Pelenag. “And now it’s sort of in the back of my mind all the time. Groceries are just, it’s out of control. That for sure is the biggest change that I’ve seen.”

Pelenag says university students struggling with rising costs should not be afraid to reach out, with many supports – including food banks – willing to help.

“There’s absolutely no shame, like it’s not your fault,” he said. “It’s how the system is built right now.”

The University of Alberta Campus Food Bank accepts donations – non-perishable food items, diapers, and sanitary products – year-round.

–With file from Adrienne South