Following consistent advocacy, the SGPS reopened its Food Insecurity Relief Program.
The SGPS secured $15,000 for Loblaws gift cards to distribute amongst members, a renewal of their Food Insecurity Relief Program which closed in November. Sign-ups closed on March 18, and half of the funding will prioritize graduate students with children, students who serve as caregivers, or those with disabilities.
“The program is very similar to last time, but we tried to balance things a bit better in recognition of groups that are likely to require more support,” SGPS President Devin Fowlie said in a statement to The Journal.
Students submitted over 400 applications, representing nearly 10 per cent of the SGPS membership. Fowlie is unsure how many students will receive funding, and relief will be dependent on need.
“More students needing higher value gift cards means the relative number of students receiving gift cards drops slightly,” Fowlie said.
The Food Insecurity Relief Program is funded by SGPS student membership fees, but the additional $5,000 which came from Queen’s Student Affairs boosted the capacity of the program.
Fowlie reported advocating consistently at Board of Trustee meetings for graduate students facing food insecurity, sparking conversations amongst the Trustees.
In December, Fowlie said stagnant stipends were making it difficult for students to fulfill their research and teaching roles, which are integral to the University.
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In November, the SGPS closed the Food Insecurity Relief Program after receiving 458 applications in 24 hours.
PSAC 901, the labour union representing graduate student workers at Queen’s, received 1,500 applications for their food insecurity fund between January and November.
According to the 2022 Student Health Survey, 29 per cent of all students reported experiencing food insecurity while at Queen’s.
After the previous program was overwhelmed by responses, students contacted Fowlie asking how to help. The SGPS asked students to donate to the AMS Food Bank.
“It has been heartwarming to see so many students who are willing to help,” Fowlie said.
Tags
food insecurity, SGPS, Student affairs
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