Soaring demand at Canadore College’s student food bank
Demand at Canadore College's student food bank is increasing as some college students are finding it hard to pay all of their expenses.
The school's food bank usage is up more than 50 per cent since the last school year and the shelves always need to be filled with food products.
"I have heard from a few students that tell me they have had to cut down on the food that they're eating,” said Jessica Crook, Canadore student council vice-president of student life.
Officials who run the food bank estimate close to 100 students have gotten help this semester. That number has doubled since the last school semester.
"The pandemic has put strain finally on a lot of families,” said Lise Paxton, the college’s student government coordinator.
“Students are coming to school for the first time and maybe their parents were without work. There are lots of factors."
The school is concerned with the trend, citing student struggles with high inflation, cost of schooling and only part-time jobs available in the daytime.
"The community approaches us all the time saying they're looking for staff, but they're in class until 5 o’clock and they can only work a couple hours a day,” said Paxton.
“They want to work but can't fill the hours.”
The food bank is run at all four of the college’s campuses, including the campus in West Parry Sound.
Canadore’s student council is aware of the issues and is working with the school, students and food bank to ensure they get the financial support they need.
"No one likes to hear it. It's people you know and people in your student body. But we are supporting those students as best as we can," said Crook.
The student council is hoping it can find ways to wean students off the food bank as the semester continues.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.