UPEI Campus Food Bank Sees 60% Jump in Student Visits Amid Rising Costs

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I.  The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is witnessing a significant rise in food insecurity among its student population. The campus food bank has reported a 60 per cent surge in student visits, according to recent figures, as many students struggle with escalating costs for tuition, housing and everyday living. 

Rising Demand at UPEI

• The increase in visits reflects a broader financial strain on students, with cost pressures such as rent and daily expenses growing steadily.
  
• To manage the demand, UPEI is making efforts to expand support: the food bank recently moved to a larger facility in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre and introduced a dedicated food-bank coordinator.
  
• The university also implemented an online registration system to make it easier for students to access food bank services.
  

Why This Is a Concern

Student food insecurity isn’t unique to UPEI. Across Canada, increasing living costs especially in housing and food are pushing more post-secondary students to rely on food banks.
For many students, rising tuition is now compounded by inflation in basic necessities, making financial sustainability harder than ever.

University Response

UPEI is responding to this growing need with concrete measures:

• Expanding the food bank’s space in the student centre to better serve demand.
  
• Hiring a part-time coordinator to oversee food bank operations and ensure resources are distributed effectively.
  
• Streamlining access via online registration, reducing barriers and making it more convenient for students to get help.
  

What Comes Next

University leadership and student groups are calling for deeper action to address the root causes of food insecurity:

• Enhanced financial supports (such as more robust bursaries, grants, or emergency funds) may be necessary to ensure students can meet basic needs beyond just food.
  
• Partnerships with local food charities, government agencies, and community groups could help scale capacity and improve outreach.
  

Expanded mental-health and wellness services may also help, as financial stress is often closely tied to student well-being.