Many of us have heard and made jokes about “starving students”. Unfortunately, this is sometimes more than a cultural icon and a cliché. In the face of ever-increasing costs for post-secondary education, a student’s grocery bill can be one bill too many. Many of us skip meals in order to pay for higher learning alongside other necessities, such as housing, clothing, and utilities. Because this is not acceptable, TRUSU operates a Food Bank to help its members get the food they need between those taxing trips the grocery store.

It is clear that the costs that students bear in pursuit of post-secondary education today are unacceptably high – some students are forced to quit or graduate with ballooning debt loads. That’s why TRUSU, in cooperation with the Canadian Federation of Students, continues to fight against rising fees and in favour of upfront, needs-based grants. However, we also know that for some members these victories cannot be won soon enough and they need help now.

Until we achieve a fully funded, accessible, and affordable system of post-secondary education across our country, we must be sure that our members can make it to their classes today, without an empty stomach. If you are a Students’ Union member struggling to cope with the overwhelming costs of attending university, we encourage you to make use of the TRUSU Food Bank. Simply come by our front desk in the Independent Centre and we will provide you with a food package. We make an effort to provide this service in a discreet and dignifying manner – because the shame lies with the unfair system, not with our members.

The Food Bank is a service based on donations from TRUSU members and members of the broader community, and is available to all students who need it. Students, like anyone else, have a right to food – if tuition fees work to degrade that right, the Students’ Union will work to restore it.