KPU provides a number of discounts and resources to support your nutrition and financial wellbeing
Many area non-profit organisaitons provide food security support to members of their communities. Check out this list of available resources in Richmond, Surrey, Langley and surrounding areas
The KSA food bank provides emergency food relief for students. KPU students are eligible for 1 food hamper every 2 weeks (2 per month)
Join KPU as we celebrate Nutrition Month, a month-long initiative dedicated to supporting student's overall nutrition & wellbeing!
How does food security affect KPU students?
Food insecurity is someone does not have access to sufficient food, or food of an adequate quality, to meet their basic needs. KPU students are experiencing moderate to severe levels of food insecurity. Food insecurity can have serious negative impacts on your health, wellbeing and academic success.
35%
of KPU students ate less because they didn’t have enough money for food.*
36%
of KPU students couldn’t afford to eat healthy meals.*
13%
of KPU students say they used a food bank within the last 3 months.*
This issue is worse among Indigenous students, international students, 2SLGBTQIA+ students, and students with disabilities. In fact, 53% of students with disabilities experienced some level of food insecurity in the last year.*
Studies suggest individuals suffering with food insecure can have poorer mental health and could experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression and mood disorders. Food insecure individuals can also experience lower work productivity and have difficulty concentrating. This could lead to poor academic success increasing the chance of students withdrawing from classes or the institution itself.
This issue is worse among Indigenous students, international students, 2SLGBTQIA+ students, and students with disabilities. In fact, 53% of students with disabilities experienced some level of food insecurity in the last year.
*Data from KPU Student Satisfaction Surveys
How can I improve my food security?
Freshen up your budgeting skills:
- Always stick to your shopping list
- No name or generic brands offer the same quality at a cheaper price
- Use flyers and shop weekly sales
- Download apps to find coupons
Shop smarter
- Use loyalty points programs
- Buy non-perishable items at dollar stores
- Buy in season when you can
- Check the freezer aisle for out-of-season produce, as its has the same quality as fresh
Looking for some local eats?
Whether you're want something lowkey, a litte boujee or need to pick up something on-the-go, we've got you covered. Check out our maps of food options within walking distance of your campus.
We acknowledge that access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food has been historically, and continues to be, impacted by colonialism. Aligning with xéʔelɬ KPU’s Pathway to Systemic Transformation, this work aims to weave Indigenous worldviews throughout and highlight Indigenous voices and teachings, while recognizing and emphasizing the importance of the relationship between all people and the land. Preparing and sharing a meal time is an act of community and allows for gathering and connection to occur.
On- and Off-campus Supports for Food Insecure Students
On-campus Food and Financial Supports
KPU provides a number of discounts and resources to support your nutrition and financial wellbeing
- Free Breakfast on Campus – Click here to see when it takes place on your campus
- KSA Food Bank – offers emergency food relief for KPU students. Visit https://kusa.ca/ksa-food-bank/
- Grassroots Café – Students get a 5% discount on non-alcoholic purchases
- Sustainable KSA – KPU students can receive a $25 gift card for SPUD. Students are eligible to purchase one gift card per month. https://kusagiftcards.getqpay.com/
- Sustainable KSA – 50% discount for CSA Produce Boxes
- Sustainable KSA Community Fridge – KPU Richmond
- T&T Supermarkets – sign up with student email and enjoy a $10 discount on your first 3 orders https://www.tntsupermarket.com/eng/activity/student-discount
- KPU Seed Library - https://libguides.kpu.ca/seeds
- KPU Student Awards & Financial Assistance – Emergency Assistance
- KPU Indigenous Services – Indigenous Emergency Assistance Fund
Off campus Food Supports
Many municipalities, non-profits and business offer supports for food insecure individuals.
Surrey and Surrounding Area
- List of free and low-cost food options in the Fraser Health region
- Free and low-cost food programs in Surrey/White Rock
- City of Surrey – Food & Meals
- Fraser Valley Regional Food Bank
- Sources White Rock/South Surrey Food Bank & Resource Centre
- Surrey Food Bank
- Cloverdale Community Kitchen
- Guru Nanak Food Bank
- Muslim Food Bank
- Grocery Hour Oak Avenue Neighborhood Hub Society
- The Plot
- Flash Food – A mobile app selling deeply discounted food at Real Canadian Superstore
Richmond and Surrounding Area
- Richmond Food Asset Map – Where to Find Food
- City of Richmond – No or Low-Cost Community Meals
- Greater Vancouver Food Bank
- Richmond Food Bank
- Kwantlen St Farmers Market