“Our end goal is to improve student experience with food. We know that food is a big part of student life.”

Isabella Vergara

Before our very own student advocate, Isabella Vergara, stepped into her role, Jessica Carrera was in her shoes, making it her top priority to address food insecurity on campus. Just like in a relay race, Vergara has now taken up the baton and is focusing on improving on-campus food services for students.

You probably know our modus operandi: “We strive to make your post-secondary experience the best it can be.” For that reason, many students see IGNITE as the ultimate event planner. And it’s true—our events are a big part of how we make student life more fun and memorable. But, there’s so much more to your post-secondary journey than just attending events.

Behind the scenes, IGNITE works tirelessly on advocacy projects that have an even bigger impact on your student experience.

Since October 2024, when students at the Humber Polytechnic Lakeshore campus organized a protest against Humber and its food provider, Chartwells, over food quality and the mandatory meal plan, Chartwells have organized two food forums to receive student feedback.

Vergara attended both forums, listening to students’ concerns in order to best advocate for them.

The situation

Attending the Chartwells’ food forums, Vergara spoke with many Humber students to learn more about the main issues with the campus food provider.

The most common concern raised by students was inconsistency. Students said they receive either small or large Friendlier reusable containers for the same meal, even though they’re paying the same price. Others pointed out differences in the food provided between the North and Lakeshore campuses.

“They (students) were saying they never know what they will get,” Vergara said.

Food quality was another big complaint. Students shared that dishes like noodles or rice are often not properly cooked, leaving them sick after eating on campus.

On top of food quality and inconsistency, students are also frustrated with the high prices. For example, they told Vergara that sandwiches are overpriced for what they’re getting.

“A sandwich doesn’t have enough ham, for example. They said prices are too high and the portions they end with are very small,” Vergara said.

After hearing many complaints at the first food forum, Vergara returned to a second one to check if any of the students’ concerns had been addressed. Students told her that while the food quality had slightly improved and new menu times were introduced, communication between Chartwells and students remained a major issue.

According to students, they’re not being informed about new menu updates or whether their feedback is being acted on.

“If there is something new in the cafeteria, students just find out when they go,” Vergara said.

Amplifying students’ concerns

It’s no secret that students have been raising their concerns with food on campus, so Vergara is making food security one of her top priorities this year and taking action to spark real change.

Through her role as a student advocate, she’s able to meet directly with Humber and Chartwells executives. She can act as the bridge between students and decision-makers, ensuring students’ voices are heard.

Recognizing food security as an essential pillar of the student experience, Vergara put together a detailed document filled with analysis and recommendations based on feedback from students. In December 2024, she sent it to Chartwells, highlighting three key areas that need improvement. They are food quality, food affordability and better communication. Her goal is to hold the food provider accountable by encouraging them to listen to student feedback, create measurable ways to improve and deliver results that students can feel in their post-secondary life.

Fast forward to Jan. 17, 2025, Vergara met with Chartwells representatives again to review their progress. She said they had incorporated some of the points raised by students in her report.

The next step? Vergara will review their proposals and decide if more changes should be suggested to improve food services on campus. Before making any final decisions, Vergara plans to attend another food forum later this month to hear opinions from students.

“Our end goal is to improve student experience with food. We know that food is a big part of student life,” Vergara said. “For a lot of people, if you are not having nutritious food, it will affect how you’re studying, how you feel when you go to class, so it’s a very important piece (of student life).”

The IGNITE Soupbar

Food security, quality and affordability are crucial pillars for students to thrive in their post-secondary journey. That’s why Vergara and IGNITE are committed to advocating for better food services on campus, while continuing to support students with valuable services, too!

One of our biggest allies in combating food insecurity is the IGNITE Soupbar. Available across all four campuses, the IGNITE Soupbar serves up six delicious and nutritious soup options—perfect for a quick meal between classes. And, the best part? It’s absolutely FREE!

If you ever wondered how this service comes to life, it’s all thanks to the talented students in the food and nutritious management program!

If you want to talk more about food on campus, you can reach out to us on our socials @shareignite or Vergara directly at [email protected].

Feature image courtesy of IGNITE.

Speaking of food affordability, are you struggling to manage your finances? Check out our content writer Michelle Marasigan’s experience with the 50-30-20 budget rule!

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