Supported by generous donors, post-secondary institutions across Nova Scotia once again came together to address food security among students, raising a record $343,000 on Giving Tuesday.
This was the fifth year for the 聽聽campaign, a Dal-led initiative that benefits student-run food banks and programs on campuses at post-secondary institutions across Nova Scotia. Acadia, Cape Breton University, the University of King鈥檚 College, Mount Saint Vincent, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD), Nova Scotia Community College, Saint Mary鈥檚, Saint Francis Xavier and l鈥橴niversit茅 Sainte-Anne all participated in the campaign this year.
At Dalhousie, 450 alumni, faculty, and friends from Canada, India, Scotland, and the United States helped raise $140,000, which exceeded the goal of $90,000. The average gift was $152, with the largest one coming from the 黑料吃瓜网Faculty Association ($3,000). 黑料吃瓜网also received a significant boost in its fundraising efforts this year as gifts were tripled thanks to a pledge from the J & W Murphy Foundation and a personal matching gift from a loyal 黑料吃瓜网alum.
鈥淥nce again, we are truly inspired by the way in which 黑料吃瓜网and the community have rallied for food security on behalf of students,鈥� says Lisa Murphy (BA鈥�88, LLB鈥�92), co-director of the foundation with her sister, Karen Spaulding. 鈥淓ach year, they go above and beyond to ensure that the nutritional needs of students are being met so they can achieve their goals and graduate ready to succeed. That鈥檚 why the J & W Murphy Foundation continues to support the Project through Giving Tuesday.鈥�
鈥淭he success of the 2024 Giving Tuesday campaign, especially with the generous match from the J & W Murphy Foundation, will have a transformative impact on our students鈥� says Finn Snodden, academic & financial advisor at NSCAD. 鈥淭his generosity not only helps students in their day-to-day lives but also empowers them to fully embrace the opportunities we have to offer."
Meeting more than nutritional needs
The Food Security Project recognizes that not all students have access to affordable, nourishing food. In fact, the need has grown. According to Statistics Canada, the overall prices for food purchased from stores rose 2.4 per cent in September over the same month last year. With other living costs continuing to rise, such as rent and transportation, students are working multiple jobs to make ends meet. That leaves little time for sourcing and making nutritious food that helps them stay focused.
This was a motivating factor for donors like Lois Murray to support Giving Tuesday. 鈥淲hen I was an undergrad, I couldn鈥檛 afford enough nutritious food,鈥� she says. 鈥淭here were no food banks at that time. I am grateful that there are easily accessible food banks available for 黑料吃瓜网students to assist them.鈥�
黑料吃瓜网Student Union Food Bank manager Louis Holman says that funds raised on Giving Tuesday will have an impact beyond ensuring students have access to nutritional food.
鈥淭he response this year makes it possible for us to expand our operations, invest in new equipment, and offer more services that help students reduce their grocery bills and make their food last longer," Holman says. "We're really grateful for Giving Tuesday for strengthening our efforts to address food insecurity among students."
The strong response to Giving Tuesday will also allow the Dal Agricultural Campus鈥� Food Pantry to expand its programming to focus on kitchen skills, grocery budgeting, and recipes that use affordable, in-season options to address food security barriers among students.
鈥淲e are currently serving approximately 100 students every month, which emphasizes how much of our student population is struggling to afford food and other living expenses,鈥� says Alexe Indigo, the Food Pantry鈥檚 manager.
鈥淭he continued generosity and contributions from the 黑料吃瓜网community make a tangible difference in their lives, and each donation we receive is felt and appreciated.鈥�