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Students at UBC Okanagan have been seeking and getting more support from the University's food bank and other programs to survive amid rising inflation and housing costs.

Cade Desjarlais, President of UBC Okanagan's Student Union, says the university's food bank has been necessary for the survival.

"We're seeing major increases in the number of students using our food bank, called the Pantry. We've seen an increase in the number of hamper requests for supplies of food that we give out monthly, and we've seen an increase in students applying for Christmas hampers during the holiday season," he says. "I believe we had an approximate 150% rise in applications for the Christmas hampers this year."

Some are having to cut their budget elsewhere which is impeding their education.

"What that means for students is possibly delaying their degree or taking fewer courses to save on the cost of tuition," Desjarlais says. "Tuition is based on the number of classes a student takes in one semester, so they can save money by taking fewer classes in one semester, but that means they'll be adding one or two semesters to their studies."

The food bank isn't the only program to help students. Desjarlais says financial aid funds are being maxed out and a few food security programs that offer discounted and free food to students is also available.

"We're running a smart meals program here at UBCO where we provide discounted meals once a week to students," he says. "Our investments in the Picnic Food Hub on campus have also allowed us to provide free breakfast for students as well as a free meal about once a week which is run through UBC Health and Wellness and has been of great help to some students."

While the University has been funding some programs to help its students, Desjarlais insists that the affordability crisis is affecting many more students than some might think and political change has to be put in place.

"I think it's important to note that we do what we can to help the student body, but systemic changes need to be brought about to address this situation in which Canadians, especially students, are having a hard time surviving through the rise of the costs of living," he says.

To learn more about getting resources from UBC Okanagan's food bank or to lend a hand, visit their website here.

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