Is there a ‘shortage’ of food in Canada? Food banks are not giving food to students, know the reason

Canada Food Bank: The troubles of the students who have gone to study in Canada are not showing signs of decreasing. Due to rising inflation in the country and skyrocketing prices of food items, most people are becoming dependent on food banks. Food banks provide free food to needy people. However, ‘Greater Vancouver Food Bank’ is embroiled in controversies these days. The reason for this is that the food bank has refused to provide food to the first year college students. he/she is being criticized for this.
Till now it was seen that most of the first year students used to fill their stomach with food provided from food banks. But now they are being prevented from doing so. The Food Bank’s policy regarding international students has changed because food prices in Canada are increasing rapidly. At the same time, there is an increase in unemployment in the country. Because of this, people across the country are dependent on food banks for food. The decision of not providing food to the students has also affected Indian students.

Why is the food bank not giving food to the students?

According to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, Canada’s immigration policy clearly states that foreign students should have 20,635 Canadian dollars in savings when they come to study in the country. This does not include tuition fees and traveling expenses, which have to be paid in advance. The food bank says that if a student has $20,635, he/she can easily support himself in the first year. he/she does not need to depend on food banks for food.

Actually, Canada has changed the rules regarding study permit. Changes in the financial requirements for study permits have made the situation more complicated for international students. From January 1, the savings limit for students coming to Canada has been doubled from $10,000 to $20,635. This is the first change made in the last two decades and will now be adjusted every year based on data on the cost of living in Canada.

People relying on food banks

Due to the increased cost of living in Canada, people have to depend on food banks. According to the annual report of Food Banks Canada, in March 2024 alone, 2 million people came to food banks to eat free food. This number has doubled in the last five years. There has also been an increase of 6 percent in comparison to last year’s figures. This shows that people do not have money to eat and they can now gradually sink into poverty.