When people see how donations and community support can translate into real assistance, it reminds you that even a small contribution can have a meaningful impact." – Liana Acri-Rosa, Manager, Transitions & Engagement
For some students on Canadian campuses, going hungry is a stark reality.
As part of its efforts to combat food insecurity on campus, the University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH) Student Life department hosted two Meals That Matter events on Oct. 8 and 20, 2026, where a total of close to 500 students were fed nutritious meals. Information about on-campus supports was also provided.
The events were funded through generous donors who gave to the Student Food Security Fund – a true display of giving in action.
“Access to nutritious food is fundamental to student success. When students have the support they need to meet their basic needs, they're better able to focus on learning, participate in campus life, and make the most of their university experience,” U of GH Manager, Transitions & Engagement, Liana Acri-Rosa said.
Acri-Rosa said the work started after the 2023 Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey revealed that about one-third of U of GH students were experiencing food insecurity. And beyond U of GH, according to 2025 research from the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, students indicated that they feel forced to take cost-cutting measures to afford their education, sometimes at the expense of their well-being and learning: 38 per cent reported skipping meals, 34 per cent reported not purchasing learning materials like textbooks, and 26 per cent reported they’ve skipped a class to attend a work shift.
“Doing this event has helped us give back to the students who come here and support our community as a whole. We're able to provide everyone with an amazing meal, whoever didn't have a meal today, so they're ready to learn, do their exams and, overall, feel better about themselves,” fourth-year Business Administration student Meekha Nethajee said, who assisted with the event.
Breakfast and lunch items were served to fuel bodies and minds, including healthy and filling items like hot oatmeal, granola bars, sandwiches, and salads, inclusive of vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and halal dietary needs. Plus, all students were encouraged to take whatever they needed, ensuring no one felt singled out or stigmatized.
“[Meals That Matter] brought a smile to everyone's face when they were walking by. It's a great start to have something to eat before students go to class or even go into a midterm,” fourth-year Justice Studies student Alana Pelay said, who assisted with the event. “This is a really great event promoting the supports that are around on campus.”
At Guelph-Humber, other supports for food insecurity include:
- The IGNITE Soup Bar: Provides free soups for students, courtesy of the student union and in partnership with Humber Polytechnic, in the LinX Lounge (LX110).
- Food for Thought: Co-ordinated by the Early Childhood Studies (ECS) program, Food for Thought provides snacks like granola bars and fresh fruit for students in any program, located in the ECS resource room in GH319.
- Student Wellness: U of GH shares this resource with Humber Polytechnic, and through SWEL’s CARE Team, students can access on- and off-campus supports to fit their specific needs. This includes Peer Wellness Services and Care Coordinators.
“My hope is that [Meals That Matter] not only raises awareness about food insecurity but also helps people understand the power of giving. When people see how donations and community support can translate into real assistance, it reminds you that even a small contribution can have a meaningful impact. I hope more people feel inspired to take part in Giving Tuesday,” Acri-Rosa said.
Meals That Matter took place ahead of Giving Tuesday, which is on Dec. 1, 2026. On Giving Tuesday, Guelph-Humber encourages donors to give back to the University to support students in need in reaching their full potential.
To learn more about giving back to U of GH, click here.
