08 Jan UPEI Student Union Opens New Food Bank, SUpplies
UPEI Student Union Opens New Food Bank, SUpplies
The UPEI Student Union has launched SUpplies, a new food bank on campus. This food bank is situated at the Mickey’s Place Kiosk in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre.
“Food insecurity is a rising concern amongst UPEI students,” stated Sarah MacEachern, Vice President Student Life of the UPEISU. “We wanted to ensure that we were taking any steps required to counter this issue and help our students.”
There is already a food bank on campus in the Chaplaincy Centre, but the Student Union believes the high traffic of students in the student centre will increase accessibility. Moreover, the two food banks will operate in a complementary manner.
“We set the hours for the food bank after consulting with the operators of the existing one,” explained Sarah MacEachern. “This way, when one food bank is closed, the other will be open, ensuring no student goes hungry. If these hours do not work for students, we encourage them to reach out and we will work around that.”
In addition to food items, the food bank is stocked with numerous essentials, ranging from school supplies to hygiene products. The Student Union is accepting cash, food or supplies donations to keep the food bank running. Potential donors should contact SUpplies@upeisu.ca.