The Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) has teamed up with the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) and Brock International to support students experiencing food insecurity.

Students who are currently taking summer courses can stock up on free non-perishable food items during the Food First Pop-Up Pantry on Wednesday, June 26 at the Brock International Centre Global Commons. The event will run from 1 to 3 p.m. while supplies last.

There is a limit of one bag per student and students are asked to bring a reusable bag as well as their Brock card to the event.

BUSU Vice-President, University Affairs Carleigh Charlton says events like the Pop-Up Pantry directly support students experiencing food insecurity.

“With the rising cost of living and cost of food specifically impacting so many students, there has been a steep increase in those requiring food insecurity supports,” she says. “Our hope is to alleviate some of that stress and give students the chance to concentrate on their studies and extracurriculars, rather than worrying about where their next meal is coming from.”

Earlier this spring, BUSU invited students to donate non-perishable food items for the Pop-Up Pantry as they packed up to move out of residence or off-campus housing. As a result of that highly successful pilot project, BUSU will now continue to accept non-perishable food items such as cereal, pasta and canned goods through a collection box outside its office in the Student-Alumni Centre.

The Food First Program is a partnership between BUSU, the GSA and Brock University. The program supports Brock students experiencing food insecurity year-round by providing grocery store gift cards as well as connections to community resources.

Visit the Food First website to learn more about the program, resources for students and ways to help.