On campus, there can be such a thing as a free lunch

It doesn’t always have to be KD. Across Canada, hungry students are taking advantage of a growing number of innovative programs providing wholesome, low- or no-cost food options on campus. Here’s a look at a couple, plus some food-finding suggestions beyond the campus food bank. Meals and ideals Some campus groups serve up food solutions. At Dalhousie University in Halifax, for instance, the Loaded Ladle provides more than 200 free (donations accepted), locally sourced, vegan meals three days a week. The food-justice group is funded by students through their fees, though anyone can grab a meal or volunteer, and it’s very popular. “I think last week our lines went out the door of the student union building,” says Angela Hou, a Dal student and member of the Ladle’s board of directors. Similar organizations operate at other schools, with most serving vegan or vegetarian meals in order to feed the greatest number of people. The People’s Potato operates a non-profit soup kitchen at Concordia University in Montreal. At OCADU in Toronto, students can get a pay-what-you-can meal (suggested donation of $3 or non-perishable items) through Hot Lunch, a weekly service provided by the student union. The donations support the Student Pantry, OCADU’s food bank.

READ: OCAD University | Toronto, Ont. | Founded 1876

Elsewhere, there are not-for-profit cafés, like the Seasoned Spoon at Trent University in Peterborough, Ont., which is independently operated and supported by members. It also offers workshops on canning, vegetarian cooking and cheesemaking for a nominal fee. Rescuing produce Hunger isn’t always a matter of scarcity, sometimes it’s about redistribution. A group at Simon Fraser University’s Burnaby campus is helping feed students and preventing food waste at the same time. Food Rescue, an initiative of the campus non-profit Embark, has partnered with the nearby Nesters Market grocery store to collect fruits and vegetables with minor flaws and hand them out on campus. Students can take whatever they want for free or a donation.

Food Rescue launched in June and, a month later, had given away 200 lb. of produce through its biweekly, on-campus program. Embark plans to expand to SFU campuses in Vancouver and Surrey. “It’s been really successful,” says Ali White, programs director for Embark. “We got a lot of great responses and people are pretty stoked about it.”

READ: McGill University | Montreal, Que. | Founded 1821

A slice of social justice Whether it’s social justice, religion, student government, campus media, sustainability or sports, getting involved in a group presents a great opportunity. You can meet fascinating people (they may become your friends for life), learn valuable skills (which could fuel your career), and get a source of free food along the way, as they often offer snacks and pizza at meetings and functions.