Join KPU as we celebrate Nutrition Month in March, dedicated to supporting student's overall nutrition & wellbeing!
Explore easy recipes, practical tools, and up-to-date nutrition information designed to support your everyday eating
KPU provides a number of resources & discounts to support your nutrition and financial wellbeing
Many non-profit organizations provide food security support to members of their communities. Check out this list of available resources in Richmond, Surrey, Langley and surrounding areas
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.
52%
of KPU students ate less because they didn’t have enough money for food.*
53%
of KPU students couldn’t afford to eat healthy meals.*
27%
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.
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.
*Data from 2024 KPU Student Satisfaction Surveys
How can I improve my food security?
Level 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
Become a grocery pro
- 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
Grab & Go Student Food Pantry
Did you know that KPU students can access a grab & go pantry at KPU Surrey?
The Grab & Go Food Pantry is open twice a month in Surrey Maple 160 (Peer Resource Centre) to help alleviate challenges students face while experiencing food insecurity.
There is no registration required - just stop by and take a few items, but please be mindful so other students can benefit too. The pantry is stocked with nutritious, shelf-stable items like canned goods, instant noodles, and more!
Additionally, the Peer Wellness Team, who are a student-led volunteer group on campus, are available to answer any questions you may have about nutrition resources available to students and exciting opportunities that are upcoming.
The Grab & Go Food Pantry will be open on the following days during the Spring semester:
- Thursday March 5 from 12-2PM
- Tuesday March 17 from 12-2PM
- Thursday April 2 from 12-2PM
- Tuesday April 7 from 12-2PM
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 Food and Financial Supports
On-Campus
KPU provides a number of discounts and resources to support your nutrition and financial wellbeing:
- Grab & Go Student Food Pantry at KPU Surrey Maple 160 - The pantry is open twice a month on Tuesdays from 12-2PM
- Grassroots Café – Students get a 5% discount on non-alcoholic purchases
- Sustainable KSA – 50% discount for CSA Produce Boxes
- Sustainable KSA Community Fridge – KPU Richmond
- KPU Seed Library - https://libguides.kpu.ca/seeds
- KPU Student Awards & Financial Assistance – Emergency Assistance
- KPU Indigenous Services – Indigenous Emergency Assistance Fund
Off Campus
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