A faculty-run food pantry for students in Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Arts and Humanities building has run for the last year thanks to a $1,200 monthly grant. The funding expired March 31st just before the term ended.
The expiration coincides with increased student food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by rising gas and grocery prices. According to a recent VIU student-led survey of 303 respondents, 91% reported concern about their next meal, and 52 percent of international students identified as food insecure.
The pantry in Building 345, located on the second floor, provides free, nutritious food to students purchased at Costco and donated by Loaves and Fishes,a local group that rescues food from grocery stores and farmers to redistribute it to non-profit organizations that help the hungry. This partnership helps ensure there is always something available, though food goes quickly once it’s on the shelf.
Without it, many students rely on lower-cost options such as fast food, frozen dinners, or soup noodles, but even these choices have become less affordable due to inflation.
English professor Amelia Horsburgh began the initiative four years ago after noticing some of her students were coming to early-morning classes without having eaten.
Horsburgh emphasizes that equitable food access is a fundamental human right, noting that previous generations’ struggles should not be normalized. “I don’t think anybody needs to experience the indignity that comes along with food insecurity,” Horsburgh stated. “No one should be feeling that in 2026.”
With the grant, Horsburgh allocated up to $300 per trip at Costco, prioritizing healthy selections such as fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins rather than stocking only snacks or processed foods. She handles all Costco shopping herself, but faculty members KJ Reed and Joy Gugeler help keep the pantry running every other week by making pickups to restock the shelves.
The broader community is feeling the strain as well. Abby Sauchuk, Director of Development for Loaves and Fishes, noted that the nonprofit distributed 27% more food this year than last.
“The need has just continued to grow with the rising cost of inflation, so the cost of the work has grown significantly,” Sauchuk explained, adding they face a projected $400,000 deficit for 2026 to keep up with regional demand.
On campus, the pantry tries to meet diverse cultural needs. During Ramadan, organizers make sure Muslim students can pick up things like protein bars or bananas to eat later when they break their fast.
Culturally appropriate food is a documented necessity. VIU researcher Sydney Gallant, who co-authored a study on campus food insecurity, highlighted this disparity for students. “When you broke it down further and asked them about which barriers they face the most, culturally-appropriate food was a barrier for almost 30% of international students, whereas only 10% of their domestic peers said this was the case,” Gallant said
The organizers do not monitor who uses the pantry, allowing students to access food without disclosing personal circumstances. This approach is intended to maintain dignity and foster a respectful environment. Plans are underway to establish a campus community garden to provide students with opportunities to grow their own produce. Challenges to this initiative include wildlife and logistical considerations, but improving access to healthy food remains a central objective.
After the school year finishes, the program will rely on donations made directly to the Arts & Humanities food pantry through the VIU Foundation. Please consider donating or encouraging others to contribute. Your support ensures that students facing food insecurity continue to receive the help they need. Students in need can also reach out to local groups such as Nanaimo Foodshare and Loaves and Fishes directly for help.
