UPEI food bank prepares for surge in use with tuition hike set for upcoming academic year

The University of Prince Edward Island's food bank is bracing for what a fall tuition increase could mean for the students who use the service. 

Some of them are saying they "either have to starve or pay their rent," said Dayana Balqis, who runs the food bank. 

The university is raising tuition fees by 6.5 per cent for Canadian students and 7.5 per cent for international ones starting in the fall semester. UPEI has said the increase is needed because of inflation and a drop in international enrolment numbers.

Balqis said those same international students are the ones who need to use the food bank most often. 

"They have no choice," she said. "They basically have to live like that." 

Record demand

Food banks across the country saw record demand in 2024 with more than two million monthly visits, according to Food Banks Canada.

And as food prices continue to rise, some food banks are struggling to fulfil the need. 

Earlier this year, Ottawa's food bank announced it was cutting donations to local food programs by up to half this year due to an all-time high in visits and rising costs. 

Balqis, who is the only person running UPEI's food bank, said donations depend on the time of year, but have thankfully remained steady. 

As for the fall, she said the food bank will do the best it can as some students balance a grocery budget with higher tuition.  

"We will see what we can support."