The Food Pantry seeks to include the worldviews and values of service participants by hosting consultation and engagement sessions, sharing feedback forms, and maintaining open dialogue with stakeholders. We further strive to develop awareness and increase support within the Algoma University and Sault Ste. Marie community.
With the steady increase in the cost of living and the challenges around finding work, many students in post secondary institutions are increasingly facing higher food insecurity issues. In 2006, Food for Thought and The Summit Student Church partnered together to start their vision of establishing a Food Pantry for students at Algoma University.
The Pantry officially opened its doors in May 2007. Since then, the now student operated Food Pantry has increased significantly to meet the demands of students for emergency food services and address food insecurity issues on and off campus. In addition to meeting immediate needs, the Food Pantry works to address systemic issues around food access by taking an intersectional and holistic approach to operations, consultation, and engagement.
Currently, the Food Pantry serves over 350+ students in a week, and over 800 individuals benefit overall. These individuals include other household members such as family, roommates, partners, or friends that items are shared with.
What The Pantry Offers
The Food Pantry offers non-perishable items such as canned soup and vegetables, in addition to frozen items such as meat and prepared meals. Dependent upon the season and donations, fresh items, such as vegetables and herbs from the People’s Garden are available.
The Pantry seeks to meet the needs of the student population with culturally diverse and relevant options. Food is healing and food is culture. We want to make students feel at home by meeting their dietary and cultural needs.
Where to Find Us
Our new temporary home from July 2020 until further notice, is located on the Main Campus in The Globe, International Student Lounge, main floor. We offer the same confidential environment in a larger and better equipped area to serve your food needs.
We will be open on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. where our Food Pantry Team will be available to assist you.
Volunteering
Students have the opportunity to serve their community and fellow students by volunteering at the food pantry. Volunteer opportunities are available by filling out this form.
How to Access Food
Appointments can be made by booking through this form. If you cannot attend please cancel it on the calendar. It is very important to put specific requests and dietary needs when you book your appointment so we can prepare your items as best as possible. Please note that no items are guaranteed, however, you can always email us in advance to see if we have the items you require.
Donations
Non-refrigerated/ Non-frozen donations can be dropped off any time in the donation drop box outside of the Food Pantry. Monetary donations can be made via check, e-transfer, or cash donations. Cheques may be made out to the Algoma University Students’ Union, subject line “Food Pantry Donation”; e-transfers may be sent to [email protected] with the subject line “Food Pantry donation”. Cheque and cash donations can be dropped off during appointment hours or by emailing [email protected].
The Food Pantry feeds over 350+ students a week and relies on donations from Harvest Algoma (part of the United Way) and at large community members to continue operations. Annual drives to collect donations include campus wide events, such as the Algoma U Trick or Treat, open to the Sault Ste. community. The Food Pantry runs various fundraising campaigns throughout the year and is always looking to develop more capacity and connections with community members.
