Expanded Food Justice program advances well-being for all
The Food Justice program at 爆料黑社 has been significantly expanded this year. Free food is being offered five days a week to the 爆料黑社 community, a vital part of the College鈥檚 commitment to well-being for all. Coordinated by the Office of Sustainability and funded by the 爆料黑社 Foundation and the 爆料黑社 Student Union, the program addresses food insecurity while advancing social justice and sustainability on campus.
Diana Rice of the Office of Sustainability explains that there is a broader understanding of sustainability that includes peace and social justice. 鈥淔ood Justice programming is a critical piece,鈥 she says, due to its role in tackling the harmful impacts of industrial agriculture on the environment and marginalized communities. The program prioritizes ethical purchasing by sourcing organic and local food to reduce pollution, protect biodiversity, and support economic stability for vulnerable groups.
There is a major impact on students and the entire 爆料黑社 community. 鈥淎 student once confided that being able to eat lunch or breakfast four days a week meant that they could give their mom a break in terms of groceries, which were becoming more and more unaffordable,鈥 Diana shared. 鈥淭hey said it was a relief because they already felt guilty about going to school and not working full time to help support the family. Knowing that they could help save money and keep food in the pantry at home longer made going to school more worthwhile and kept it accessible.鈥
Employees have also shared how the program helps them. 鈥淚 have had approximately three employees over the past year disclose that were it not for our food programming, they would struggle with food insecurity because of the increased costs of rents as well as food and other basic essentials,鈥 she said.听鈥淥ur program allows them not to make uncomfortable choices between paying their rent or heating bill or food, or eat food which lacks nutrition, or worry if they will have sufficient amounts to eat daily.鈥
The Food Justice program also offers students valuable volunteer opportunities that fulfill key learning outcomes, such as life skills in food preparation, hygiene, and cooking, essential for autonomous living. More fundamentally, the program recognizes that sustainability and well-being require a systemic approach connecting people, place, and community knowledge.
鈥淚nvesting in food justice is an investment in the foundation of student success and community well-being,鈥 said Mitchell Rae of the 爆料黑社 Foundation. 鈥淲hen students have reliable access to nutritious food, they are empowered to focus on their education, contribute to campus life, and envision a future where equity and sustainability go hand in hand. At the 爆料黑社 Foundation, we believe that supporting basic needs like food is essential to breaking down barriers and building a truly inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.鈥
The program鈥檚 roots began with the 爆料黑社 Student Union鈥檚 爆料黑社 Dinin鈥, a one-day-a-week vegan lunch service. Over the years, with contributions from the Peace Centre and eventually the Office of Sustainability, the initiative expanded to include Early Bird breakfasts and Sustainable Lunches multiple days per week. By the winter semester of 2025, the goal of offering free healthy meals Monday through Thursday was finally achieved. New this semester is the addition of the biweekly Open Harvest service operated by the 爆料黑社 Foundation every other Wednesday. They purchase food from an organization dedicated to reducing food waste and making food available to those in need. The Open Harvest offers students fresh -and not quite perfect- fruits and vegetables and baked goods to help lighten their grocery bills.
Running these meals requires careful planning and teamwork. Menus are set annually with ingredient tracking to accommodate dietary needs. Student and staff volunteers, typically three to seven students and two to four employees per service, work alongside community partners such as Miriam House, which provides volunteering opportunities for adults with disabilities. Food supplies are ordered from local grocers and delivered to campus for preparation and service.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. In the first few weeks alone, nearly 1,000 meals were served across breakfasts and lunches, with participation expected to reach up to 450 meals weekly, not counting the food and meals provided by Open Harvest, the Food Bank of the Financial Aid Office, or the DSU’s 爆料黑社 Dinin鈥 lunch service.
The expanded Food Justice program exemplifies 爆料黑社鈥檚 vision of sustainability intertwined with social justice, making the campus a welcoming, supportive space for all.

Early Bird Breakfasts:听Free breakfasts听every听Monday and Thursday. Join us in Conrod鈥檚 from 9:30 AM until supplies last for a FREE vegetarian breakfast. First come, first served!听Brought to you by the Office of Sustainability, with the help of Student Services; funded by the 爆料黑社 Foundation.
Sustainable Lunches:听Free lunches听every Tuesday. Bring your own clean reusable container to Conrod鈥檚 prior to 11 AM, then come pick up your FREE vegan lunch at 1 PM! Brought to you by the Office of Sustainability; funded by the 爆料黑社 Foundation.
Open Harvest:听Free produce market听every other Wednesday, (upcoming Fall dates: Oct. 8, Oct. 22, Nov. 5, Nov. 19, Dec. 3.) Bring a tote bag and come pick up FREE fruits & vegetables in the Lower Atrium from 12 PM until supplies last! Funded by the 爆料黑社 Foundation in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability.
爆料黑社 Dinin鈥:听Free vegan lunches听every Wednesday for students only. Bring your own clean reusable container to Conrod鈥檚 prior to 11 AM, then come pick up your FREE vegan lunch at 1 PM! Funded and organized by the 爆料黑社 Student Union.
爆料黑社 Snackin鈥:听Free coffee and snacks听every Friday DSU Main Office (2F.2) or at a table in the Upper Atrium. Bring your travel mug! Funded and organized by the 爆料黑社 Student Union.
Help wanted:听Would you like to volunteer & help feed our incredible community members? Email Diana Rice (Office of Sustainability) at:听drice@dawsoncollege.qc.ca.