Concordia Student Food Insecurity Report
2023 Student Food Experience Survey
The Concordia University Student Food Insecurity (SFI) Report was developed in response to the food security goals outlined in the Sustainability Action Plan 2020-25.
The purpose of the report is to present findings from the Student Food Experiences Survey and literature review, assess current SFI resources and propose recommendations for enhancing food security at the university. The desired outcomes from the report are to inform university decision-makers on the prevalence of student food insecurity at Concordia and to encourage deeper university engagement on the issue.
Key objectives of the survey:
- Assess the prevalence of food insecurity among Concordia's student population
- Gain insights into how students are impacted by food insecurity
- Evaluate the efficacy of existing campus food resources
Data collection
The survey was sent to 10,000 enrolled and active graduate and undergraduate students. This group of students was randomly selected through the Office of Institutional Planning and Analysis.
University Communication Systems also promoted participation on the undergraduate and graduate Student Hub websites. Posters and flyers with QR codes to the survey were distributed across both campuses, in a range of administrative and academic offices.
Student participation was incentivized with the chance to win one of ten $50 gift cards to use at the Concordia Bookstore or Concordia Food Service locations.
Limitations
There are potential sources of bias that may have affected the survey results.
- The subject of the survey may have discouraged participation from students who do not experience food insecurity.
- The potential to win a gift certificate to Concordia Food Service cafés may have increased the likelihood of food-insecure students participating in the survey.
- Survey results may not be representative of the student body since 1,352 completed responses were received out of 45,488 students who were enrolled during the 2022-23 academic year.
Cross tabulation
In our survey, we have deliberately incorporated specific questions to better identify students who may be at a heightened risk of experiencing food insecurity.
These inquiries serve a twofold purpose:
- To pinpoint vulnerable groups for whom targeted interventions may be crucial.
- To provide valuable insights for shaping discussions and actions within relevant administrative offices.
Notably, race and ethnicity have consistently emerged as significant risk factors for food insecurity, prompting the inclusion of questions addressing these demographics in all our surveys. By integrating questions related to mental health status, we aim to shed light on the intersecting vulnerabilities that may exacerbate food insecurity.
Overall, our concerted effort to incorporate these diverse perspectives in our survey endeavors reflects a proactive approach to addressing food insecurity on campus and underscores our dedication to inclusive and informed decision-making processes.
Results
- Of the 1,352 survey respondents, sixty-seven per cent experienced some degree of food insecurity, with 27 per cent facing moderate food insecurity and 22 per cent facing severe food insecurity.
- More than half of severely food insecure and a third of moderately food insecure students report that their experience negatively impacted their academic performance.
- Concordia is home to many food insecurity resources, most of which focus on supporting emergency needs. However, there is a lack of coordination among these resources and high student demand has strained resources' budget and staff. Additionally, campus discussion and understanding of student food insecurity is low.
Concordia is committed to making its survey reports accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. To report an accessibility problem or to request an accommodation to access survey results contact hospitality@concordia.ca. In your message, please include the name of the survey report and specific problems you have encountered. You will receive a reply as soon as possible.
Next steps
Based on the survey findings, literature review and consultations with campus student food insecurity initiatives, a list of proposed actions was developed in the following areas:
- Develop a university-wide, coordinated approach to supporting food security
- Promote awareness of student food insecurity and campus resources
- Increase support for SFI resources
- Increase food insecurity-related research and systems innovation
To further these goals, the university has created a standing committee with cross campus representation to effectively address financial precarity as an institution, including food insecurity.
If you have any questions about student financial precarity, reach out to fundingyoureducation@concordia.ca.
Food resources
Hive Free Lunch
Loyola Campus, SC Building
Provides free vegan and nut-free lunch Monday to Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The fee-levy group also has a free grocery table with food sourced from Moisson Montreal. They also manage Megan's Community Fridge, which is intended to be stocked with leftover food from events. Free breakfast is also served from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Megan's Fridge
Loyola Campus, SC Building
A new initiative launched in January 2023 in the Hive Free Lunch location, two mini-fridges are available for the Concordia community to take or drop off food on Monday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
People's Potato
Sir George Williams Campus, Hall Building
Provides vegan and nut-free lunch by donation Monday to Thursday, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. The fee-levy group also offers free bi-weekly food baskets.
Community Cravings Pantry
Sir George Williams Campus, Hall Building
Launched in February 2023 in a space managed by the Concordia Student Union, the free food pantry is available for the Concordia community to take and drop off food. The pantry is accessible whenever the Hall (H) Building is open. The pantry received $6,000 in funding from the Sustainability Action Plan to purchase food for the upcoming year.
Emergency Meal Plan (EMP)
Hospitality Concordia provides $100 on student cards to use at Concordia Food Services locations. Though managed by Concordia Food Services, EMPs are distributed by administrative unit partners at their discretion (Financial Aid and Awards Office, Campus Wellness and Support Services, Concordia University Student Parents, Student Success Centre, Otsenhákta Student Centre). Students are limited to one voucher per term. Funding for EMPs is provided by annual contributions from the Office of the Vice-President, Services and Sustainability, University Advancement and the Office of the President.
Hive meal voucher
Provide vouchers for free burrito or free soup and salad to use at the Hive Café Co-op. The voucher program is managed by Concordia Food Services and distributed by the same units as the EMPs. Students are limited to two vouchers per term. Funding was provided by the Concordia Student Union.
The Student Emergency and Food Fund (SEFF)
The Student Emergency and Food Fund (SEFF) provides short term support to students experiencing food insecurity, by distributing grocery store gift cards.
Concordia Student Union (CSU) Emergency Voucher Program
Distributes $25 e-transfers to students in need (previously was a $25 gift card to a grocery store — this changed during the pandemic). The money can be used for any expense.
Bursaries
The Financial Aid and Awards Office (FAAO) offers bursaries to undergraduate students, while bursaries for graduate students are distributed by departments. The FAAO also manages emergency bursaries for undergraduate and graduate students in distress. These bursaries are awarded on a case-by-case basis and are not advertised.
Le Frigo Vert
Low-cost market located near the Sir George Williams Campus, selling a range of products related to wellness and food.
Affordable food options
Concordia Food Services' contract with Aramark requires the food service provider to sell fresh fruit at reduced margins and offer a combo special for less than $8.
Food facilities
Microwaves are available to students on both campuses. However, there is no information on the number and location of the microwaves.
Hive Café Co-op – pay it forward
Customers can purchase a food item for someone else to request later.
Food literacy and skills
Health Services offers individual counselling and workshops on eating healthy and on a budget.
Budgeting skills
The Financial Aid and Awards Office offers information on bursaries, awards and scholarships and government loans. It also provides individual services to help students budget. A limited number of emergency bursaries are available as a last resort for students in critical need (for example, cannot pay rent or afford food).
Urban agriculture
- Coop CultivAction (Loyola Campus and Concordia Greenhouse)
- Mind.Heart.Mouth (Loyola Campus)
- People’s Potato Community Garden
Gardens on the Loyola Campus and the Sir George Williams Campus rooftop greenhouse allow Concordia students opportunities to learn how to grow food. They also contribute vegetables to student food security initiatives and cafés.
