Food security on campus

Abstract

A strong link between university students and food is nothing new. What is new is the link between university students and food security. Food security is a broad topic that concerns more than just an immediately accessible food supply but also the quality and quantity of locally produced sustainable food sources. Across Canada, university students are initiating projects and working with community groups to find new ways to grow locally, share regionally, and bring ideas of sustainability and consequence to food supplies. Universities themselves are finding new ways to incorporate food security into campus life as an academic focus. They have developed new academic programs, sited research institutes, and facilitated on-campus demonstration projects. These projects exhibit student-generated ideas and spur excitement to offer practical resources for every local community. These efforts encourage a shift in roles for growers and consumers living within the urban environment. This article outlines a new approach undertaken at Vancouver Island University that employs grassroots methods to address food security and strengthen ties between the campus and the surrounding community.