Centre looks for ways to keep students coming and bellies full

Stacey Goyan

News Editor

Food Bank Coordinator Beth Robinson says this October marked the barest she’s ever seen the shelves in the centre. Robinson has also says student use of the Food Bank has increased.

The Food Bank provides non-perishable goods to students in need of food. Every Thursday, the Food Bank holds The People’s Potato, a free hot vegan lunch students can enjoy.

Robinson notes that the increase is the result of multiple factors, including inflated food prices, clothing costs, and tuition fees. Advertising, says Robinson, could also account for more student interest.

The Food Bank’s resources come from various donations, including Trick or Eat and Food Fight—in which other centers competed to collect non-perishable foods. Faculty, students and community members also donate to the food bank.

Robinson notes that it is often hard to get donations, as many large grocery retailers support larger local food banks.

Robinson estimates that between thirty and forty people came out for last week’s People’s Potato. Some weeks she has had to turn people away, others times she has been left with a mass of leftovers.

According to Robinson, the coordinator directly determines the success of the centre. She is presently in the process of securing food donations from around the community, including the Regional Food Distribution Association. While it is uncertain as to whether the Food Bank will qualify, Robinson says it is worth trying.

Robinson has been involved with the LUSU Food Bank since her first year of university. Now in her third year, she has taken on the role of coordinator and plans on making improvements to the centre.

To start, she says she wants to cheer up the room. She plans on brightening up the shelves with a fresh coat of paint, and generally making the centre more welcoming.

Robinson also says that keeping students aware of the Food Bank and its services is crucial. She hopes that with greater awareness of the Food Bank, more students will make use of it.

Students can use the Food Bank once a month to pick up food. Single students are permitted one bag each while students with children and families are permitted two.

The Food Bank is hidden in the tunnels in UC 0017B. It is near the ESS and Pride Central. The center is open from 10am until 4pm Monday to Friday. Students are also welcome to stop by for the People’s Potato Thursdays from 11:30am until 1pm. Donations are also welcome.