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 Food Pantry, now student operated, 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.
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, such as culturally diverse and relevant options. Food is healing and food is culture, want to make students feel at home, meet 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 Tuesdays 1 – 7pm and Fridays from 11 – 4 pm, where our Food Pantry Team will be available to assist you.
How to access food
Due to the ongoing pandemic there have been some changes made to the AUSU Food Pantry operations. These changes are made to ensure the safety of our students and community members accessing this service, and must be followed. The Food Pantry is currently operating on an appointment system and using curbside pickup. Appointments can be made by booking through this form. Pickup will be curbside and you must make an appointment in advance. 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.
Please see instructions for curbside pickup below.
Pickup is the outside globe door by the pay meter parking lot to the left of the front entrance. Please knock to let us know you have arrived.
Please be on time for your appointment and wear a mask. Only ONE person can attend the appointment.
Please list your dietary requirements and preferred items when you make your appointment
The pantry will do its best to meet your requests but will not be able to guarantee exact items.
Food bags will be arranged prior to your arrival so it is VERY important that you come to the correct time slot and tell the pantry assistant your name so that you do not end up with the wrong bag of food.
If you cannot make your appointment PLEASE cancel it on the calendar, as we have coordinators on site who are expecting and waiting for you.
If you have any further questions please email [email protected]
The Food Pantry receives donations from Harvest Algoma every Tuesday, which are then organized and processed for students to access. Throughout the week, the Food Pantry team:
- Organizes and analyzes data
- Develops fundraising strategies and campaigns
- Networks with stakeholders interest groups
- Strengthens relationships with community partners
- Creates engagement sessions and consultation surveys for student participants
- Develops infrastructure, policies, and procedures
- Supports and contributes to larger food security projects and campaigns
Donations
The Food Pantry feeds over 40 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.