Rising Costs in Canada Force Food Banks to Restrict Access for First-Year International Students
The challenges for students studying in Canada are intensifying as rising inflation and skyrocketing food prices have made many people reliant on food banks for basic meals. Food banks provide free food to those in need, but the Greater Vancouver Food Bank has recently come under criticism for refusing to provide food to first-year college students. This decision has drawn significant backlash, as many first-year students previously depended on food banks to make ends meet.
The policy change, specifically affecting international students, was driven by Canada’s rising food prices and increasing unemployment, which have left a growing number of people across the country dependent on food banks. This decision has also impacted Indian students studying in Canada.
The Greater Vancouver Food Bank explained that Canada’s immigration policy mandates foreign students to have $20,635 CAD in savings when they arrive to study, excluding tuition fees and travel expenses. The food bank asserts that with this amount, students should be able to sustain themselves through their first year without relying on food banks.
Canada recently revised its study permit rules, raising the financial requirement for international students from $10,000 to $20,635 CAD as of January 1. This adjustment, the first in two decades, will now fluctuate annually based on the cost-of-living statistics in Canada.
Due to Canada’s escalating living costs, food bank reliance has increased significantly. According to Food Banks Canada’s annual report, 2 million people accessed free food in March 2024 alone, double the number from five years ago and a 6% increase from last year, illustrating the growing financial struggles and risk of poverty for many residents.
