The Nipissing University Student Union (NUSU) Food Bank is starting the year off with stocked shelves thanks to North Bay residents.
The Student Union Executive, along with first year students, organized a door-to door food drive which took them to a number of locations throughout the city.
In the end, they managed to collect nearly 2,100 pounds of food.
NUSU executive member Cooper Allen, says they are thankful for the generous support they received.
"It's been absolutely fantastic. The community has been great in helping the students. I know a lot of students take advantage of the food bank through the year, and it's really heartwarming to see the generous donations we received."
NUSU manages the not-for-profit food bank, which it considers an essential service. Students tend to rely on the food bank more around Christmas when money at the end of the first semester is in shorty supply, and at the start of the new year as they wait for funding from the Ontario Student Assistance Program.
The expense of paying for a post-secondary education can leave students struggling to make ends meet .
The food bank, located on the school premises, offers support for any students who finds themselves in need.
"We have quite a few students who do take advantage of it. It's definitely a service we couldn't operate on our own. We get generous donations throughout the year and I'm very happy the community was able to come together for us."
Individual donations of non-perishable food items and grocery store gift cards are always welcome.
