Supporting Brock Students in Need
What is food insecurity?
Food Insecurity is defined as ‘inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints’ and can range from worrying about running out of food, to going days without food. It can be broken down into three levels: marginal, moderate, and severe.
- Marginal food insecurity: worrying about running out of food and/or having access to a limited selection of food due to financial constraints
- Moderate food insecurity: compromise in the quality or quantity of food due to financial constraints
- Severe food insecurity: not eating enough food and in extreme cases to go a day(s) without food due to financial constraints.
Reference: 2023 Food Affordability in Niagara Report
For many Brock students, food insecurity is a harsh reality. Rising costs of living and limited income can leave students struggling to put food on their plates. The impacts go beyond hunger—it affects their well-being, academic performance, and mental health.
But you can make a difference.
How You Can Help
Your donation can provide relief to students facing food insecurity. By contributing to Brock’s Food Security Initiatives, you are supporting programs like:
Food First: Emergency Grocery Card Service
The Food First Program: Emergency Grocery Card Service is a partnership between the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) and the Graduate Student’s Association (GSA). The program provides students impacted by food insecurity with a local grocery store gift card, helping students access fresh groceries when they need them most.
Pop-up Farmers Market
In partnership with United Way Niagara, the Pay-What-You-Can Pop-Up Farmers Market began in September 2023 and has since become a monthly event.
The market provides students with access to fresh, local produce at a cost they can afford. All donations made in exchange for produce go directly back into purchasing more fresh produce and pantry staples for the next market, creating a sustainable loop of community support.
Community Cook Along
Community Cook Along brings students together to cook, learn, and share a meal in a campus kitchen. Volunteers guide participants through recipes, teaching culinary skills and food preparation techniques in a hands-on environment.
At the end of the evening, students not only enjoy a shared meal but also take home extra portions, ensuring they have nutritious options for later. This program fosters community, builds practical life skills, and helps combat food insecurity in a meaningful and interactive way.