9 1��Ѱ���

This was the fifth year for the   campaign, a Dal-led initiative that benefits student-run food banks and programs on campuses at post-secondary institutions across Nova Scotia. Acadia, Cape Breton University, the University of King’s College, Mount Saint Vincent, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD), Nova Scotia Community College, Saint Mary’s, Saint Francis Xavier and l’Université Sainte-Anne all participated in the campaign this year.

At 9 1��Ѱ���, 450 alumni, faculty, and friends from Canada, India, Scotland, and the United States helped raise $140,000, which exceeded the goal of $90,000. The average gift was $152, with the largest one coming from the 9 1��Ѱ��� Faculty Association ($3,000). 9 1��Ѱ��� also received a significant boost in its fundraising efforts this year as gifts were tripled thanks to a pledge from the J & W Murphy Foundation and a personal matching gift from a loyal 9 1��Ѱ��� alum.

“The success of the 2024 Giving Tuesday campaign, especially with the generous match from the J & W Murphy Foundation, will have a transformative impact on our students” says Finn Snodden, academic & financial advisor at NSCAD. “This generosity not only helps students in their day-to-day lives but also empowers them to fully embrace the opportunities we have to offer."

Meeting more than nutritional needs

The Food Security Project recognizes that not all students have access to affordable, nourishing food. In fact, the need has grown. According to Statistics Canada, the overall prices for food purchased from stores rose 2.4 per cent in September over the same month last year. With other living costs continuing to rise, such as rent and transportation, students are working multiple jobs to make ends meet. That leaves little time for sourcing and making nutritious food that helps them stay focused.

This was a motivating factor for donors like Lois Murray to support Giving Tuesday. “When I was an undergrad, I couldn’t afford enough nutritious food,” she says. “There were no food banks at that time. I am grateful that there are easily accessible food banks available for 9 1��Ѱ��� students to assist them.”

9 1��Ѱ��� Student Union Food Bank manager Louis Holman says that funds raised on Giving Tuesday will have an impact beyond ensuring students have access to nutritional food.

“The response this year makes it possible for us to expand our operations, invest in new equipment, and offer more services that help students reduce their grocery bills and make their food last longer," Holman says. "We're really grateful for Giving Tuesday for strengthening our efforts to address food insecurity among students."

The strong response to Giving Tuesday will also allow the Dal Agricultural Campus’ Food Pantry to expand its programming to focus on kitchen skills, grocery budgeting, and recipes that use affordable, in-season options to address food security barriers among students.

“We are currently serving approximately 100 students every month, which emphasizes how much of our student population is struggling to afford food and other living expenses,” says Alexe Indigo, the Food Pantry’s manager.

“The continued generosity and contributions from the 9 1��Ѱ��� community make a tangible difference in their lives, and each donation we receive is felt and appreciated.”