Students sometimes have challenges making ends meet and affording nutritious food that supports health, wellness, and learning. You are not alone. A recent study indicates that 38% of students are food insecure (Frank, 2018).
Acadia University, the Acadia Students’ Union, and Acadia Dining Services by Chartwells are all here to support you. Supports include donations, funding, and even a garden plot if you're interested in growing your own fruits and vegetables.
The Acadia Food Security Project is an ongoing campaign to bolster student food resources and to help ensure no students fall through the cracks when it comes to obtaining nutritious food that supports health, wellness, and learning. All funds will go towards enhancing the Programs and Resources listed on this website and enhance Acadia’s ongoing efforts towards creating and maintaining a food secure community on campus.
You can make your donation at giving.acadiau.ca/foodsecurity or reach out to a representative of Donor Relations at externalrelations@acadiau.ca or (866) 222-3428 to donate by phone or send a cheque by mail.
Every gift makes a difference! Thank you.
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” - Virginia Woolf
Emergency food and other supplies are available at the Acadia Students’ Union Food Cupboard located on the second floor of the Student Union Building. Check with the ASU for operating hours and more information.
The Food Cupboard was established by the Acadia Students’ Union in 2017 with a start-up grant from Chartwells Canada. Volunteers are also welcome!
Access to food assistance such as grocery gift cards and local food boxes is available for Acadia students. Programs vary by semester depending on student need and available funding. Please contact studentsupport@acadiau.ca for details about current programs.
Acadia Dining Services by Chartwells provides financial support for student food assistance programs through the Giving Back Fund to Acadia. Programs are administered by the Acadia Food Services Advisory Committee in consultation with Chartwells and the Vice-President Finance and Administration.
Assistance with meals on campus may be available to students with financial needs. Dining Services also strives to offer a range of dining options to meet the needs of student living on and off-campus. For assistance with dining plans, please contact studentsupport@acadiau.ca.
Started by Enactus Acadia students, Foodsharing is an initiative that provides a stigma-free way for students to access free, nutritious, culturally relevant meals while gaining social connections on campus. Look for free meal and snack pop-ups on campus throughout the academic year. Visit @foodsharingacadia on Instagram to learn more.
Free healthy snacks are available for students accessing MASH and other academic supports in Huggins Science Hall. The recently renovated lounge features healthy, local food, for days when student schedules are busy and onsite for tutoring. Thanks to a grant from the EKM Health Foundation, the Math Lounge now includes a fully accessible kitchen complete with appliances and supplies that are available to all students. Visit math.acadiau.ca to learn more.
The Acadia Community farm is a campus-community educational garden with free garden plots available for Acadia students. The Farm operates from May to October and is located behind the Acadia Athletics Complex. Tools and gardening workshops are also provided. No experience is necessary to join. Email farm@acadiau.ca or visit our website to learn how to get involved.
The Growcer is our Farm-Inside-a-Box located behind Wheelock Dining Hall. 10% of produce is given away to students and local community. Watch for pop-up giveaways on campus during the academic year.
Many local businesses offer discounts to students. Here are a few with a focus on food:
Eating healthy and nutritious food supports learning and living well. The new Canada Food Guide provides guidance for healthy eating, cooking tips and more.
A committee of staff, faculty, and students works to advance healthy and sustainable food policies and practices at Acadia and provide advice and assistance in food service related matters on campus. The committee reports to the Vice President Finance and Administration & Chief Financial Officer. Contact sustainability@acadiau.ca or visit our website.
Wondering how you can make Ramen noodles more nutritious? Or do you have other questions about cooking or healthy eating? Ask our Executive Chef, Peter Welton!
