Hasan Najjar, a former English Language LP student, helps pick up food at the Lethbridge Polytechnic Community Fridge on Nov. 20. The food will help his friend have enough supplies for the next two weeks. Photo by Nelson Shekasana.
Many students can find balancing tuition, rent and daily expenses very overwhelming. For first year Lethbridge Polytechnic international student Onyedikchi Oragekwe, the financial strain was too much of a burden to handle.
“I had so many expenses when I first came here paying my school fees, rent and supporting myself. I decided to check out the LPSA food bank and it was very useful. It really helped me take care of myself until I was able to save again.”
The Lethbridge Polytechnic Students Association LPSA operates the campus food bank, which provides student with a free meal. Tanner Marcer, events and communications coordinator for the LPSA explained how they provide students with a free meal.
“We collect a portion of student fees, which go into developing and maintaining the food bank. We also connect with grocery stores to get bulk deals so we can provide more for our students. Any student can approach us at any time no questions asked and we’ll provide them with a food hamper.”
The food bank aims at providing students with essentials that can turn into multiple meals. “It’s tough to just give someone a can of soup. We try to provide staples like rice and pasta, which can feed a family or last several meals.”
Onyedikchi spoke about how helpful the hampers have been. “I didn’t have to worry about buying basic groceries. I could use what was given, like pasta, which is actually my favourite food. It saved me money and stress.”
International students often find things like this very helpful, especially when they are trying to adjust to life and school in a new country. Marcer and the LPSA try their best to provide every international student with useful items based on what they like to eat as not every international student likes regular Canadian food. “Some international students are unfamiliar with some food, so we always ask what they eat and make sure the food we provide is useful for them.”
Marcer also spoke about how keeping shelves stocked and meeting dietary needs is an ongoing challenge.
The food bank is also integrated into campus events to promote donations and community engagement. Upcoming initiatives include a children and family Christmas party where a $10 registration fee supports the food bank. In March, engineering students will participate in a construction competition, building structures from donated cans worth around $4,000 which will then go directly to helping students in need.
Marcer highlighted ways other students and faculty can help support the food bank. “Anyone can donate anytime, participate in our events or volunteer to help. We’re always looking for hands-on assistance to make the food bank thrive.”
For international students like Onyedikchi, the food bank means everything. “I would like other students to know this is available. You’re not paying anything. Just go into the office, fil out the form and you’ll get help. It’s very helpful, especially when you need to save on groceries.”
The food bank shows how the impact of gestures like a food hamper, can positively affect a student’s life. It helps ensure that financial pressures don’t prevent students from focusing on their studies.
