Food security at UBCO presentations

Presentation 1: Food Security at UBCO: What’s your recipe? 

Desiree Amaral, 1st year nursing student, Mariza Micallef, 3rd year psychology student, and Kimberly Rutledge, 6th year psychology student, will present the findings from this Voice 5 research project. This research project focused on the experiences of students who are food insecure at UBCO and sought feedback from them about ways UBCO can support student food security.

Presentation 2: Envisioning a Physical Food Hub at UBCO

Sarah Clement, MSW student and UBC Sustainability Scholar, will present findings from a literature review, environmental scan and community consultation sessions to gather suggestions for a physical food hub at UBCO. This project grew out of concerns about the levels of food insecurity among students at UBCO: over 40% of our students experience food insecurity. A physical food hub was envisioned as a space for the campus community to access a wide range of programs, services, and opportunities that promote health and wellbeing by providing healthy affordable food, social connection, food skills, within a sustainable, equitable food system. A food hub within a university setting also prioritizes research, advocacy and policy work involving faculty, staff, and students. Based on findings, recommendations for a physical food hub to address student food insecurity at UBCO are shared.

Following the presentations, a discussion and question period will be moderated by Casey Hamilton, Campus Health Specialist and Registered Dietitian, project manager for both projects.