Food Security

Community
grocery bag full of fruits and vegetables

Supporting student wellness through food security and resiliency

At VCC, food security is rooted in care, dignity, and community connection. We support student success through a range of initiatives, from affordable meals to emergency grocery cards. Whether it’s a quick snack between classes or help during a tough month, students can count on VCC to reduce barriers to learning.

We recognize the deep impact food insecurity has on education. It affects concentration, attendance, and mental health. That’s why we collaborate with the Students’ Union (SUVCC) and VCC Foundation to deliver food support rooted in dignity, access, and student leadership.

These numbers drive our commitment. Through campus meal programs, community partnerships, and annual events like the Food Resiliency Fair, we’re working to reduce barriers and build a culture of care that lasts.

Find food support on campus

Whether you need occasional help or ongoing assistance, VCC has options:

nurse in scrubs refilling a pink water bottle at a water refill station.

Water refill stations

Save on plastic consumption and your wallet! Bring your water bottle to fill up at stations located throughout VCC campuses

Open pantry shelves stocked with various canned goods, packaged foods, and jars of bulk items.

Snack shacks

Complimentary food cupboards open to students without question in participating departments

A person paying for groceries using a card reader at a checkout counter, with a cashier holding a bag of fresh lettuce and bread.

Emergency grocery cards

For students facing urgent food insecurity

A large group of people gathered at Seiffert Bakery, browsing food displays.

Affordable meals

At campus cafeterias and Sieffert’s Market + Bakeshop

Build food resiliency at VCC

Food resiliency means building systems that prevent hunger and promote access—today and in the future. Our supports are embedded in the Strategic Innovation Plan and Mental Health and Well-being Framework, helping reduce barriers to education.

We also host the annual Food Resiliency Fair, a community celebration where students, staff, and partners explore sustainable, equitable food systems. The next event happens on World Food Day, October 16, 2025.

Connect with community resources

Food support extends beyond our walls. We work with partners to ensure students are connected to:

Want to help?

Food insecurity is a complex issue—but we believe community-based, student-first solutions build a stronger future. Join us in making education more accessible:

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and we acknowledge our privilege to be here.