UBC Foodbank for Students

It is a common, and incorrect belief that international students at UBC come from wealthy families. While for some that may be true, those who live in the on campus residences are not. Many have saved for years, and sold everything they have to come and get a degree in the hopes of giving their families a better life. They pay enormous tuition fees, and for those with families, arrive at the Acadia residence to the only unfurnished residence on campus. With children in tow, they discover that there is no bed for them to sleep in, no dishes to eat off of - nothing. While they have saved for their tuition, they were not expecting to furnish a household, and Vancouver is expensive. They are limited to working only part time hours by their visas - and kids grow fast and eat a lot :) . Many parents take turns skipping meals so their kids can eat, others dumpster dive and struggle in the belief it will be worth it in the end. Since 2020, this fund has provided emergency relief to these families - including food, housewares (dishes etc.), school supplies, and warm clothing for winter.

As professors in the Faculty of Education at UBC concerned about our students, the fund will be managed by Dr. Shapka, the department head in ECPS, and Dr. Katz, a faculty member in Special Education. Pastor Craig O'Brien and Origins church are also partners. There are no administrative fees (except what GFM takes), all donations will go directly to students.