In partnership with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, the BCIT Student Association (BCITSA) Food Pantry offers BCIT students who need immediate food support with low-barrier access to free, healthy, accessible, and culturally appropriate food and personal hygiene products.
Where to find us
BCIT Burnaby Campus,
Building SE2-2nd Floor – Room #258
Hours of operation
Wednesdays
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
As our capacity increases, we will post updated hours here and on the Food Pantry door.
We ask that all those who use the Food Pantry follow these simple rules:
- Please be respectful of the staff and volunteers.
- Take only what you need.
- Bring one (1) standard-sized reusable shopping bag and your BCIT Student ID card.
BCIT students experiencing unexpected financial hardships may qualify for emergency bursaries or other types of emergency funding. Speak with a Financial Aid Advisor to learn more.
For more food resources, including Food Banks, in your community, visit our Community Food Network.
ATC Food Hamper Program
We want to help so we’re bringing more options from the Food Pantry to YOU! Every first Tuesday of each month, from 11 AM – 12 PM, you can pick up your pantry orders conveniently located at ATC. Just fill out our order form below to select items on the list that suits your preference and dietary needs, and our team will have them ready for you.
Program dates:
The program runs at the start of each month from November 2024 to March 2025.
How it works:
Fill out the form below and pick up your items at the scheduled time.
The BCITSA Food Pantry relies on the generous donations of our stakeholders and community partners to provide students with free, healthy food options. Learn more about our Donation Guidelines or send a monetary donation to support BCIT students.
GENERAL INQUIRIES
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Food Pantry located?
The Food Pantry is located on the BCIT Burnaby Campus in SE2 room 258.
Who can access the Food Pantry?
Any BCIT Student who is in immediate need of food support may access the Food Pantry. The Food Pantry is a low-barrier program that relies on the self-identified needs of students. If you feel that this program would help you, you are encouraged and welcome to visit.
What do I need to bring with me?
Students will be asked to show their BCIT Student ID for confirmation of their eligibility.
How often can I use the Food Pantry?
The Food Pantry caters to BCIT students facing emergent food needs, offering timely access to healthy and nutritious food. Students can benefit from free groceries once per week. The pantry moved to a bigger space in January 2024 and revamped its operations to a counter-model service.
How much food am I allowed to take?
While there may be limits imposed for certain products to ensure there is enough to go around, we suggest following the motto: “take only what you need and will consume”. Please remember that this pantry is offered to all students, and we encourage everyone to share these resources.
What if I need support but I can’t come to the Burnaby Campus?
Students who primarily learn online or at one of BCIT’s Speciality Campuses may speak with a member of the Wellness and Advocacy team about options for emergency food support.
These 15-minute appointments can be booked here.
How can I request an accommodation?
Our goal is to ensure the pantry is accessible for students with disabilities. To request accommodations, please reach out to wellness@bcitsa.ca or scan the QR code located in the pantry. This code will redirect you to a form through which the Wellness & Advocacy Team can coordinate accommodating solutions for your access to the pantry.
What kind of food is in the Food Pantry?
We do our best to stock the pantry with healthy, nutritious, and culturally relevant shelf-stable and fresh food. Because our food is primarily provided through donations, we cannot guarantee that one type of food will always be stocked. Students can expect to find a variety of grains, canned goods, beverages, snacks, and fresh produce, in addition to personal hygiene items, such as toothbrushes/toothpaste, soap, menstrual products, deodorant, etc. Students are welcome to make recommendations and we will take them under consideration when making our selections.
Why is some food passed the best before date?
Food passed the printed best before date is still safe to eat. Food Pantry Staff and Volunteers inspect all food products to ensure that food distributed in the Food Pantry meets &/or exceeds established safety and quality standards set forth in the Best Before Guidelines created by Food Banks Canada. We always encourage visual inspection; however, when in doubt, do not consume the food.
How is the Food Pantry different from the Community Fridge Program?
While the Food Pantry may only be accessed by current BCIT students, the Community Fridge program is open to all members of the BCIT community, including staff and faculty. The fridge is located on the Burnaby Campus in SE2-2nd floor next to the elevator. Please refer to the guidelines posted on the fridge or the website.
I'd like to get involved, can I volunteer?
Yes, absolutely! Those interested in volunteering their time, either regularly or on a casual basis, may complete this form. Intakes are typically done once per term, however, depending on need, there may be ongoing intakes.
Thanks to our sponsors
The Food Pantry is located on the unceded and ancestral lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. We acknowledge it is a privilege to be gathering as uninvited guests, and recognize the importance of conducting ourselves in a way that honours and respects these nations’ connection to their Land and Water.