Ontario food bank bans international students

**Ontario food bank bans international students**

An Ontario food bank has made the controversial decision to ban international students from accessing its services. The Ste. Louise Outreach Centre of Peel in Brampton says that it is unable to support the growing number of international students who are seeking help.

The food bank's board president, Catherine Rivera, says that the decision was made after the food bank saw a 20% increase in the number of international students using its services in the past year. Rivera says that the food bank is simply unable to keep up with the demand, and that it needs to prioritize its resources for those who are most in need.

"We're not saying that international students don't need help," Rivera said. "But we need to make sure that we're taking care of our core clients first, and that's people who are living in poverty in Canada."

The decision to ban international students from the food bank has sparked outrage from many students and community members. Critics of the decision say that it is discriminatory and that it will leave many students struggling to meet their basic needs.

"This is a terrible decision," said one international student who spoke to CBC News. "Many international students are already struggling to make ends meet. Without access to the food bank, many of us will go hungry."

The food bank's decision has also been criticized by some experts on food security. They say that the food bank is abdicating its responsibility to help all people in need, regardless of their immigration status.

"Food banks are supposed to be a safety net for all people, regardless of their immigration status," said one expert on food security. "This decision by the Ste. Louise Outreach Centre of Peel is discriminatory and harmful."

**Why are international students struggling to afford food?**

There are a number of reasons why international students may struggle to afford food. First, international students are not eligible for most government social assistance programs. This means that they have to rely on their own resources, such as tuition fees, savings, and part-time work.

Second, international students often face high costs of living. Tuition fees in Canada have been rising steadily in recent years, and the cost of housing and other expenses is also high.

Third, international students may have difficulty finding part-time work. They are often limited to working 20 hours per week, and they may face discrimination from employers.

**What are the consequences of the food bank ban?**

The food bank ban is likely to have a number of negative consequences for international students. First, many students will struggle to meet their basic needs. This could lead to health problems, malnutrition, and even homelessness.

Second, the food bank ban could have a negative impact on students' studies. Students who are struggling to meet their basic needs are less likely to be able to focus on their studies. This could lead to lower grades and an increased risk of dropping out of school.

Third, the food bank ban could damage Canada's reputation as a welcoming country for international students. The ban sends the message that international students are not welcome in Canada, and that they will not be supported if they need help.

**What can be done to help international students?**

There are a number of things that can be done to help international students who are struggling to afford food. First, the government could provide more financial support to international students. This could include expanding eligibility for social assistance programs or creating new programs specifically for international students.

Second, the government could work to reduce the cost of living for international students. This could include providing more affordable housing options or subsidizing the cost of tuition fees.

Third, the government could work to make it easier for international students to find part-time work. This could include removing the 20-hour work limit or working with employers to reduce discrimination against international students.

Finally, food banks and other community organizations could work to develop new programs and services to support international students in need. This could include providing food hampers, meal programs, or other financial assistance.

**Conclusion**

The decision by the Ste. Louise Outreach Centre of Peel to ban international students from its services is a controversial one. The food bank says that it is unable to support the growing number of international students who are seeking help, but critics of the decision say that it is discriminatory and harmful.

There are a number of things that can be done to help international students who are struggling to afford food. The government could provide more financial support, reduce the cost of living, and make it easier for international students to find part-time work. Food banks and other community organizations could also develop new programs and services to support international students in need.

Ontario food bank bans international students
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