Student food security in the spotlight on GivingTuesday

No student should have to choose between their education and their next meal. But that’s the reality for many, according to a 2024 Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey, which found that 32 per cent of students suffer from low or very low food security.  

“Food security is having reliable access to food that’s adequate, affordable and aligned with our nutritional needs and personal values,” says Heather Ramshaw, co-ordinator of the University of Calgary Campus Food Hub. “Unfortunately, a lot of Canadians, and students in particular, experience food insecurity every day.” 

Which is where the Campus Food Hub comes in, with a suite of programming that is designed to improve access to affordable, nutritious food. Programs include Ladle UP!, which serves up soup and bun for $2 every Wednesday, and the affordable market and meal kits, which make groceries more accessible and cost-effective for students who want to prepare food at home. 

Just as students rely on these programs, the Campus Food Hub relies on the generosity of donors — and GivingTuesday is the perfect time to support this critical service. 

Falling on the first Tuesday after U.S. Thanksgiving — this year on Dec. 3 — GivingTuesday is billed as the world’s largest generosity movement, raising millions of dollars around the world annually. This year, UCalgary is taking the opportunity to fundraise for the Student Food Security Fund in support of the Campus Food Hub.  

Senate and Alumni Board lead fundraising 

The Student Food Security Fund was launched during UCalgary Giving Day 2024 — with the support of the UCalgary Senate and the University of Calgary Alumni Association (UCAA) Board of Directors — to inject cash into the much-needed programming. 

Led by Chancellor Jon Cornish and UCAA President Kate Wong, BN’12, a friendly fundraising competition during Giving Day pitted Team Senate against Team Alumni. While Team Senate ultimately claimed victory in April, students were the real winners, with thousands of dollars raised for the Campus Food Hub. 

“The success of the Giving Day challenge shows that, when we work together, we can create a lasting change in the lives of our students,” says Cornish. “Every contribution brings us one step closer to ensuring that no student at UCalgary has to worry about their next meal.” 

Adds Wong: “While we love a good competition, the real victory is in knowing we’re making a tangible difference for students across campus."

Round 2 of the Senate and Alumni challenge will take place during Giving Day 2025, but fundraising is open year-round — and is especially critical at this time of year.  

Collective giving during times like Giving Day and GivingTuesday is a cornerstone of philanthropic impact at UCalgary, with gifts of all sizes adding up to make a big impact. UCalgary alumni, staff, faculty and friends who want to help are encouraged to give today via UCalgary's GivingTuesday webpage.