In its ongoing commitment to support student success, MacEwan University is helping out with initiatives that address food security and affordability.
“University is a transformative time, but it’s also a stressful time. Rising food costs add additional pressure. Students find themselves needing to work more, leaving less time to study, and challenged to get access to quality food,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, president and vice-chancellor. “So, we are finding creative ways to provide that little bit of help some might need.”
On March 11, MacEwan donated $100,000 to the Students’ Association of MacEwan University (SAMU) Pantry, a food hamper service that provides students confidential support. This donation will help the food service provide non-perishable food and hygiene items twice a month to students in need.
In addition to the donation to SAMU, MacEwan teamed up with community partners Aramark, Takam Market and the Italian Centre Shop to offer cooking classes for students. In each class, students learned some basic cooking skills and how to create a nutritious meal on a budget. After making a meal together, students were given a take-home kit to make the same meal later at home.
MacEwan also held several pop-up lunch markets that offered subsidized Italian Centre Shop lunches for $5. Students lined up for sandwiches, pasta dishes and salads, and with each event more popular than the last, a total of OVER 2,000 meals were sold.
“We believe that when there is food around the table, that’s where friends are made and that’s where families bond,” said Teresa Spinelli, owner of the Edmonton-based Italian Centre Shop. “It’s really important to eat healthy food and to come together because that creates community. That’s really important to me.”
“I got to spend some time here a few years ago when I was the Allard Chair in Business,” said Spinelli. “I think this is an amazing school, from the students to the instructors teaching the classes. Participating in the pop-up market and cooking classes gives us the opportunity to give students a break from their usual routines and to give them the skills to prepare healthy, nutritious – and affordable – meals at home.”
“Giving our students affordable food options makes life a little easier and our students enjoyed the experience of cooking and eating together,” said Dr. Trimbee. “Helping our students succeed and creating opportunities for connection is important. MacEwan is grateful to our community partners and the impact we’ve made for our students.”
