Check out: The Algoma University Foodbank!

"students helping students" by working to combat hunger and food insecurity on campus

​By Anna Smith

As the semester wraps up and budgets become tight, consider visiting the Algoma University Student Food Bank (AUSFB). The food bank was founded in 2006 on the premise of "students helping students" and it works to combat hunger and food insecurity on our campus. The brightly painted room, located off the main student services hall, offers food, school supplies, and hygiene products for any student or alumni in need of some extra assistance.

AUSFB's main goal is to extend support to students and alumni who may have other financial obligations such as tuition, rent, and other everyday financial stresses that prevent them from being able to purchase healthy and filling foods. The ever-increasing tuition and ancillary fees paired with the rising costs of food leave many students across Canada facing the harsh reality of food insecurity. Meaning some students simply do not have access to enough affordable and nutritious food to support themselves or their families. It is not hard to imagine how students’ studies could suffer as a result of not eating properly.

The AUSFB aims to assist students in those far too common times of need by distributing non-perishable goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, bread, and much more. The AUSFB encourages everyone to visit and see what they have to offer. The AUSFB also reminds students that it operates anonymously, and those who access the food bank do not have to meet any kind of financial criteria.

The AUSFB also relies heavily on the support of the community to keep stocked and is always accepting donations. Some ideas of what is most needed at the food bank are: canned meats, peanut butter, alternative milks (almond, coconut), cereals, granola bars, canned vegetables, and pasta sauce. Donations can be dropped off at any time during the week and if the door is closed they can be left in the bins provided outside the door.
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AUSFB is located in SH212 near the health services office and is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. volunteers permitting. Every student and alumni of Algoma University is welcome to access the Food Bank.