The SFU Food Pantry and Community Free Fridge together offer a weekly boost of support for students facing financial precarity and rising food costs. The Pantry is funded by the United Way and Greater Vancouver Food Bank and is open for about 40 weeks per year. On average, over 85 people use these services each week, thanks to the safe space they provide for student recipients and volunteers to meet, connect, and share in the positive experience of reciprocity. The Pantry also provides valuable student volunteer experience for dozens of students each semester,  supporting their successful pursuit of careers in areas like public health, communications, business, and science, and strengthening the culture of philanthropy at SFU.

SFU’s Office of Community Engagement has been working with Burnaby organizations and community members to create programs to address food insecurity at SFU because food is essential for building culture, good health, and a sense of belonging. 

We believe strongly in the power of partnership – this work continues, thanks to The United Way of Greater Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Food Bank, Burnaby Neighbourhood House, The Burnaby Primary Care Network, Food Mesh, Food Banks Canada, Lotus Light Charity Society Vancouver, Safeway, Embark Sustainability, SFU Ancillary Services and Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS),

Interested in partnering on food security? Please contact Tara Flynn, tara_flynn@sfu.ca.