Student food bank calling for cash

The Nipissing University Student Union (NUSU) is expecting students will need help from its food bank more than ever this winter, and it's looking for cash.

The Student Food Bank helps alleviate the financial strain students face when obtaining a post-secondary education, says a news release from the group. 

“Monetary donations to the food bank are critical because we get an unequal distribution of supplies, some of which are low in supply but high in demand,” said NUSU President, Ian Hall.

Hall says many students use the food bank on a one-off basis.

“Some students may experience shortage of finances, have not been given enough hours at work, or have had unexpected payments such as auto or medical expenses. The food bank allows for students to get a helping hand to make ends meet when times are tough,” said Hall.

The food bank is currently well stocked in many items and further food donations are coming in from groups in and around campus; however, items such as toiletries, gluten-free foods, and grocery store gift cards are needed. Monetary donations allow NUSU to provide more flexible, needs based supplies to students.

NUSU has set up a Go Fund Me account in which anyone can donate to online. The website is http://www.gofundme.com/nusufoodbank.

“The reason we have setup a Go Fund Me account is that we have students from all over Ontario, and the rest of Canada, and we are hoping to tap into the community members, family and friends of our students to increase our donor base,” commented Sarah McGowan, NUSU Director of Communications.

NUSU also operates a food bank for students in the Bracebridge campus of Nipissing University, and the donations accrued will be used to fund the needs of both as demand shifts.