The Food Security Project

Story

Food Security on Campus

For students, access to affordable and nourishing food is never a given.

According to Statistics Canada, overall prices for food purchased from stores rose 2.4 per cent in September over the same month last year, with more nutritious products becoming more inaccessible to budget shoppers. To make matters worse, the overall rising cost of living means resources previously reserved for groceries are now going to rents, transportation costs, and other daily necessities.

Students need healthy meals to fuel their minds and bodies. We want to help meet that need with nutritious choices.

Fortunately, Dalhousie students have access to the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) Food Bank and Agricultural Campus (AC) Food Pantry—student-led resources that are making a difference. But increasing demand means that these services require more funding to adequately serve the student population.

That’s why the Food Security Project is back again—to connect students with reliable access to nutritious food at a time when it’s badly needed. All Food Security Project proceeds will go to stocking shelves, expanding capacity, and providing food literacy programs at the DSU Food Bank and AC Food Pantry.

Impact

Be a part of the movement. Triple your impact.

“I’m vegetarian and produce is very expensive, so the selection [at the food bank] really helps. I feel relaxed knowing that I can get what I need and focus on my studies.” – Krishna, Master of Applied Computer Science student

Now in its fifth year, this provincewide movement of universities is rallying to meet the urgent needs of post-secondary students. We at Dal are proud to have spearheaded this effort with our friends at The J & W Murphy Foundation.

We’ve exceeded our goal for four years running, and our objective this time is to raise $90,000 for student food security. Each gift this year will be tripled, thanks to a generous match from the J & W Murphy Foundation and a personal matching gift from a loyal Dalhousie alum, making your donation go even further. Together, we can ensure Dal and King’s students have reliable access to nourishing food when they need it. Help us get there and show students you care.

If you would like more information about this campaign, please reach out to Clare MacDermott at clare.macdermott@dal.ca. To speak to someone directly about making a gift, please contact Jennifer Pierce at 902.233.9275. Note, you will receive a tax receipt for your donation.

Supporters

Margaret Leighton

Kimberly McDonald Winsor

So happy to support this project every year and see the impact it has on Dal students.

Dr. Tim Maloney

Catherine Goulet

Rodney Small

The Dal Food Bank supported me during my time there. I thank God for allowing me to give back.

Janet MacDonald

I feel everyone deserves to have a meal.

Jason Yung

Lois Murray

When I was an undergrad I couldn't afford enough nutritious food: there were no food banks at that time. I am grateful that there are easily accessible food banks available for Dalhousie students to assist them.

Lord Abbey

Food and nutrition security is critical to student learning and mental health. It affects mostly international students who are far away from home. All students need our support.

Caitlyn Hutchison

Proper nourishment is one of the foundations of student success. Proud to be able to support students on our campus.

Deanna Doucette

Gift made in honour of Keaton Doucette.

Glen Minty

Merle MacIsaac

Mary Pyche

Bridget Graham

Alex Speed

No student should have to go hungry while studying.

Barbara Mealiea

Tamara Parry

So proud of the team's work on this great cause!

Tara Perrot

I am grateful for all that I have and I am very aware that there others, here and around the world, that aren't so fortunate.

Jennifer Keating-Hubley

Fighting food insecurity is about nourishing minds, which feeds potential and thereby, the future of our world.