University donates $50,000 to campus food pantries to address student hunger
(BRAMPTON/SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – Nov. 13, 2023): Algoma University and Algoma University Students’ Union (AUSU) will create a new food pantry on the University’s Brampton campus and expand the food pantry in Sault Ste. Marie.
To support the initiative, Algoma University will donate $50,000 to AUSU to kick off Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28. Algoma University also offers students an Emergency Relief Fund to help with urgent needs like rent and provides a suite of student support, including free mental health care.
“In the face of the soaring cost of living — especially food-price inflation — hunger is a real issue all across the country. We recognize it is also an issue at universities, including at Algoma University,” said Asima Vezina, Algoma University President and Vice-Chancellor. “But we can do something about it. The food pantry initiative gives all students a dignified way to keep healthy food on their shelves.
“No student can learn when they’re worried about where their next meal will come from. No student should have to choose between buying food and buying textbooks. Ultimately, the goal should be food security for all. Together with AUSU, Algoma University is committed to making sure our students have the wrap-around support for healthy living they need now.”
Algoma University’s Sault Ste. Marie Food Pantry has been running for over 15 years and is open to all students. An AUSU and Algoma U partnership will now expand that model into Brampton.
Systemic racism and discrimination against Indigenous, Black and racialized people play a role in food insecurity. Ontario food bank data shows a disproportionately high 11.9 per cent of food bank users identify as Black, more than twice that of the general population, and 9.8 per cent identify as Indigenous, more than three times that of the general population.
Anyone who wishes to donate to AUSU to help fight student hunger can do so at https://algomau.ca/giving/giving-tuesday/
Share Article
