The Trent Central Student Association would like to address the Arthur Newspaper’s article released July 5th, 2023, regarding our One Stop Chop food pantry. The contents of this article have the potential to destabilize the One Stop Chop and our reputation with the TCSA membership and sponsors. The article further compromises students' ability to access food on campus during a time of heightened food insecurity.
We believe that we will provide enough evidence below to discredit this article. The details outlined in the article are inaccurate. We have highlighted several points that demonstrate the disinformation this article presents. Our website contains the quotations referenced in this document.
Initiator of the Food Pantry:
Arthur has stated:
“The TCSA’s food pantry which was opened during the 2022/23 academic year under the portfolio of former VP Health and Wellness, Holly Naraine, who ran specifically on creating an “on-campus food bank for all students to access” which would build on and eventually replace other grocery assistance programs available to undergraduate students. [...] attempted to deny Naraine’s involvement in the creation of the pantry according to documents forwarded to Arthur and instead attempted to suggest that Carter Tongs (VP Health and Wellness, 2021-22) had initiated it.”
The reality is:
The Food Pantry was initiated by the former VP Health and Wellness Carter Tongs, during his term. Tongs’ initial plans began with contacting Public Health and the Social Work Society in February 2022, and continued communications to the end of his term.
As reflected in the TCSA Board Meeting Minutes on Sunday, March 20th, 2022:
“[Tongs] has been speaking with the social work society about a food cupboard on campus. These ongoing projects will be for the new VP Health and Wellness to pick up.”
Naraine had continued the work that Tongs had initiated for the Food Pantry in March 2022.
Initiator of the Appointment System:
Arthur has stated:
“[Naraine] was not involved in the transition of the pantry to the current appointment-based model. She was clear that changes made to the One Stop Chop were made without her knowledge or consultation, despite the pantry falling under her portfolio even while she was in office.”
The reality is:
This statement contradicts with what Naraine had stated at the February 12th, 2023 Board Meeting in which she provided reasoning for the transition to an appointment booking system.
In the Arthur Newspaper’s article titled “Food Bank Changes Prompt Concerns at the February 12th, 2023 TCSA Board Meeting” published on February 13th 2023:
“VP Health & Wellness, Holly Naraine, clarified that ‘before [the appointment system] was implemented, other schools– namely Guelph– did have an appointment type of system, not necessarily an appointment, but people did have to register and pick up to have access to the pantry.”
Naraine was aware and involved in the implementation of the appointment system.
The Appointment System
How the appointment system works:
Fill the appointment booking form on the TCSA website.
Arrive during the time slot selected.
Upon arrival, confirm with the Front Desk that they have arrived for their appointment.
The appointment system ensures that during their appointment, interactions with other students are limited. This system also facilitates robust maintenance of the pantry to ensure that each student utilizing the pantry has consistent access to a variety of staples. These include vegan, halal, gluten-free, allergen-friendly options.
Surveillance:
Arthur has stated:
“[...] students of colour having been unduly surveilled during their scheduled visits to the One Stop Chop, and have reported instances of being asked to open their bags by TCSA staff when they are leaving in order to ensure compliance with the pantry’s policies.”
The reality is:
TCSA staff have never asked a student to open their bag upon leaving the pantry, nor do staff survey pantry use. The pantry is out of direct view of staff workstations, with the exception of the VP Health and Wellness.
Advocacy/Funding from Trent
Arthur has stated:
“Despite these tangible and publicly known issues facing students from all backgrounds, the TCSA has demonstrated little in the way of advocacy directly related to ensuring Trent diverts its own resources towards helping to alleviate these burdens.”
The reality is:
The TCSA has received donations from Senior Administration and departments which includes; Student Wellness Centre, Food Services, Chartwells, Student Housing, Careerspace, and Gzowski Cabinet. We have also collaborated with Levy groups like The Seasoned Spoon and Trent Vegetable Gardens. These collaborations and contributions are a result of advocacy and lobbying efforts. We are continuing conversations with these groups throughout the summer and academic year. Currently, we are collaborating with Trent’s Colleges to increase access to nutrition.
The statistics collected from the booking system are restricted to the rate of overall usage. Students’ identifying information is not utilized, and personal use of the pantry is not tracked. Statistics are collected to encourage prospective donors to contribute to the pantry. These statistics effectively communicate why the One Stop Chop is an important resource for students. Statistics facilitate lobbying efforts in dialogue with the Senior Administration regarding food insecurity. These statistics help bolster our advocacy efforts as further contributions to the pantry ensure more robust offerings to support more students. Ensuring food is as accessible as possible because students deserve to eat food that aligns with their respective cultural and dietary needs.
When in Doubt, Reach Out.
We dedicate ourselves to utmost transparency. Our team is available to work with students regarding concerns and suggestions for the betterment of the services we offer. Students can reach out to our team through email, over the phone, suggestion box, or in person.
Our pantry has, and always will be, based on the foundation of trust and respect for the students who access it.
We will continue to work towards providing accessible food pantry resources. We welcome you to reach out to us with your feedback and questions. We also encourage you to enter the TCSA office as it is your space.
We continue to ensure the wellbeing of our team. We do not stand for the harassment of our staff, or actions that make them feel unsafe in their work environment.
The TCSA will continue to address articles that defame the Association, foster distrust amongst the Trent community and ultimately hinder students’ access to vital resources and services.
Yours in solidarity,
The Trent Central Student Association