GoEducate: Food Insecurity and Student Advocacy

Breaking Barriers: A Look Back at the GoGivers Food Insecurity Seminar

In an era where the cost of living continues to rise, food insecurity has become a growing concern, affecting students and families across the Lower Mainland. It’s an issue that goes beyond simply lacking access to meals—it reflects systemic challenges in affordability, economic disparity, and social responsibility. To shed light on this issue, GoGivers Foundation, in collaboration with student organizations at the University of British Columbia (UBC), hosted a Food Insecurity Seminar, creating a space for high school and university students to learn, engage, and discuss meaningful solutions.

Understanding the Issue: More Than Just a Lack of Food

The seminar was not just about acknowledging that food insecurity exists—it was about understanding its root causes and identifying ways to help. Guest lecturers, including Dr. Dr. Jennifer Black from the Public Health & Urban Nutrition Research Group, provided insights into the economic and financial aspects of food insecurity, discussing how Vancouver’s high cost of living has exacerbated the issue and disproportionately impacted students and low-income families.

Additionally, Dr. Ryan Stillwagon, UBC Public Scholar, and PhD Candidate in the Department of Sociology at the University of British Columbia, explored the health consequences of food insecurity, emphasizing the link between poor nutrition and long-term physical and mental health challenges, especially in underserved indigenous communities.

Representatives from UBC Sprouts, a student-led sustainability and food justice organization, spoke about grassroots advocacy and ways students can participate in food security efforts on campus. GoGivers Foundation also presented its initiatives on youth engagement and community-driven action, reinforcing the importance of young people leading change.

Conversations That Matter

Beyond the lectures, the seminar encouraged interactive participation. Networking discussions were structured to foster engagement between high school and university students, allowing them to exchange perspectives and ask critical questions such as:

💬 Why is food insecurity often overlooked in affluent cities like Vancouver?💬 What role do institutions and governments play in addressing this issue?💬 How can students take action in their communities, both locally and globally?

Speakers encouraged attendees to think critically about systemic issues while also focusing on tangible steps they can take to contribute to real solutions.

A Step Toward Action

One of the seminar’s key takeaways was the importance of taking action, no matter how small. Attendees were encouraged to:

✔ Support local food banks and community kitchens – Small contributions can make a significant difference. ✔ Advocate for policy change – Engaging with local leaders and student organizations to push for increased food accessibility on campuses. ✔ Create student-led initiatives – Whether through fundraising, awareness campaigns, or sustainable meal programs, there are endless ways to contribute to change.

A Community United

The Food Insecurity Seminar at UBC was more than just an event—it was a collective effort to bring awareness, spark discussion, and inspire action. With insightful contributions from experts, student leaders, and passionate attendees, the seminar reinforced the idea that food insecurity is not an isolated problem but a systemic issue that requires education, advocacy, and community-driven solutions.

As we move forward, the conversation doesn’t stop here. GoGivers Foundation remains committed to tackling food insecurity, ensuring that students not only understand the issue but feel empowered to be part of the solution.