By Samuel M., Student at Columbia College
Coming to Canada, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Videos and the news didn’t seem
enough to prepare me, and I was right. There was a lot to overcome when moving to a new
country where I didn’t know anyone. One of the biggest challenges was getting used to the food.
Not having access to my traditional food was a stumbling block. I didn’t know what to look for at
the grocery store or what to buy, especially with prices rising.
Unfortunately, food insecurity is a challenge faced by many residents in Canada.
Sometimes, it stems from a lack of knowledge about basic food sustainability practices, but
more often it’s about not having access to affordable food. These are some of the issues the
Mount Pleasant Food Network (MPFN) is working to address. By building community
connections, the MPFN backgrounds to support those in need. Columbia College, where I
study is a partner organization in this Food Network.
My first experience with a food support network was at Columbia College through the
Community Cupboard program, led by Nurse Claire Goth. Who says “We started the Community
Cupboard (CCCC) initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employment and food security
challenges were impacting on our student population. During our nursing consultations, we
noticed an increase in nutrition and chronic health-related concerns. We wanted to address
these issues in a more holistic way…”
As a student, my peers and I found comfort knowing we could access snacks or basic
groceries when we needed them. Later, as Student Services Program Assistant, I would work to
expand the program by recruiting more volunteers, surveying students to understand their
needs, and promoting a safe and welcoming food environment. One former student shared, “the
Community Cupboard is honestly such a great initiative, and I’m really thankful for it… my
absolute favourite part is when they have sushi it’s always a treat!”
In a recent survey of CCCC users, 70% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the
overall quality of the food available, and 90% would recommend it to other students who may
need food and supplies. None of this would be possible without key partners from the MPFN,
especially Food Stash and Food Runners, and financial support from Guard Me.
MPFN is part of a larger coalition made up of 13 neighbourhood organizations. Being part
of the network is critical to the success of the Community Cupboard; it was formed in 2014 to
address food insecurity in the neighbourhood. MPFN is part of the broader Vancouver
Neighbourhood Food Networks made up of non-profits, organizations, and community groups that
actively support the health and well-being of Vancouver residents through various food
programs and policy work.
“Through regular food donations delivered by Vancouver Food Runners volunteers,
Columbia College has been able to establish a campus-based food distribution initiative,
providing nutritious rescued food directly to students in need,” explains Michelle Reining,
Executive Director of Vancouver Food Runners. “The program is discreet, accessible, and
tailored to students’ schedules addressing both logistical barriers and social stigma.”
This partnership also opens the door to deeper learning through the Community
Connections Program (CCP), a program where Columbia College covers the employment costs
for students to take on projects and provide support services to local community benefit
organizations. Kapish Chhabra, who completed his CCP placement with the Vancouver Food
Justice Coalition, reflected, “It’s been a delightful and eye-opening experience. The stats about
how many people suffer food insecurity on a daily basis really surprised me. The biggest
takeaway for me is learning to ask for help and use the resources available.” He added, “The
network itself definitely made a significant difference by spreading awareness and being a
resource to combat food insecurity.” Through collaboration, student leadership, and strong
community partnerships, the program continues to grow, helping students not only access food
but feel supported and seen.
A staff member at Columbia College shared a story of one example of this network in
action, “Khalsa Aid’s Metro Vancouver chapter prepared for its annual food drive, [when] an
unexpected but welcome donation of multiple pallets of frozen food arrived.” While generous,
the donation brought challenges with storage and transportation. Khalsa Aid responded by
mobilizing its team and partnering with Food Stash… Food Stash not only connected them with
community partners across Vancouver and the Downtown Eastside but also provided their large
truck to help transport the food from cold storage facilities in Cloverdale to various
organizational hubs.”
This collaboration ensured the food was saved and distributed to organizations like City
Reach and Heart Tattoo Society, shared with the community. “Additionally, thirteen more pallets
were shared among other partner organizations across the Lower Mainland.” This example
shows the Mount Pleasant Food Network’s effectiveness, commitment and capacity to help build
stronger community food security through strong community partnerships.
And for students like me? That makes all the difference.