By EDEN ARMSTRONG
Staff Writer

College life isn't cheap and for those who need a little help, there are options.

The Niagara College Food Bank is here for those students struggling to get enough to eat throughout the school year.

The Niagara College Food Bank needs non-perishable donations such as canned food to continue serving those in need. Photo by Eden Armstrong

One of her roles as director is to raise money for SAC Cares, a program which assists those in the college community who need aid. The program also promotes events to raise funds for college-related causes. SAC Cares programs include the college's food bank, bursaries for health and academic assistance and the student awards program.

The college food banks are located in the SAC offices at both the Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses. They are accessible to everyone and there is a one-bag limit for students each time they visit.  

The Niagara College food bank started in 1994 and has grown significantly. Food drives, donations and the college's own staff and students help fill the shelves.

"Faculty and staff bring in a lot of food which is great," says Cain.

Cain says she knows the stress of college life and the lack of food for students who can't afford it must be hard.

"Not eating properly leads to headaches, fatigue, and your focus is lost. That can't help when you are a student trying to do school work."

SAC president Brian Costintini says the food bank is available to everyone.

"SAC helps over 500 students per year through this program. Sometimes it is difficult for students to make ends meet, especially if they have to pay their own tuition, or have a family to support back home."

Devin Daoust, 19, is a Niagara College student in the Environmental Technician program. Daoust lives off-campus and spends about $80 every week and a half on groceries for himself.

Liza Schmidt, 19, of McMaster University is going into her second year of Molecular Biology and spent $2,500 on a declining balance meal card last year. This year she is living off-campus and has budgeted $2,000 for groceries for the school year. Both students work full-time during the summer months to help pay for tuition, rent and groceries for the rest of the year. Schmidt, who doesn't work during the school year, says "I have to make all the money I can in the summer to make it last until April." Daoust and Schmidt make ends meet but for some students it's just not that easy.

Students need to be aware of what services the college offers so that if a student is in need, they know there are programs there to help. Cain says one of her goals for the year is to promote more of what SAC has to offer.

"Promotion is the key for next year."

 Costintini says he appreciates all the help.

"We thank everyone who has donated to the student food bank, and we encourage that you continue to donate. Even the smallest donations can make the largest difference in a student's life."

For donations and inquires on the student food bank please contact the SAC office at the Welland campus at (905) 735-2211 or the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus at (905) 641-2252 Ext. 4225.