Food insecurity is a problem faced by many post-secondary students for reasons such as rising tuition costs, living expenses, and insufficient financial aid systems. Students often endure hardship while furthering themselves personally, academically, and professionally.
In response, AUSU offers a Virtual Food Assistance Program for AU undergraduate students facing food insecurity. Those in need may apply and be entered into a random monthly draw for one of fifteen (15) gift cards worth $100 CAD each. The gift card will be for a major grocery chain in Canada convenient to those selected through the draw.
In the case of rural or international students who do not have access to one of the major Canadian grocery chains available, we will make other arrangements. Those who are unsuccessful are encouraged to apply again in the following month if they still face food insecurity. Students are eligible to be awarded this voucher once per calendar year.
Resources
AUSU has compiled a list of other resources to assist you in finding other funding options and wellness support.
Food Security Resources
• Food Banks Canada (National Listing of Food Banks across Canada)
Health and Wellness Resources
• Homewood Health Wellness Support Program (Counselling and Support for AU Students)
• TalkCampus (Peer-Support Mental Health app for AU Students)
• Nukskahtowin Meeting Place Resources (Indigenous Student Supports)
• AU Wellness Portal
Funding Resources
• AUSU Award and Bursaries
• Athabasca University Student Awards
• Athabasca University Student Financial Aid
• Canada Student Aid
• Provincial Student Aid Funding Agencies
• Student Discounts in Canada
There are also other scholarship options available provincially and nationally. There are literally millions in unclaimed scholarship funds every year due to a lack of applicants, so we recommend applying broadly! Here are a few sites to get you started:
• Scholarships Canada
• Universities Canada Scholarships
• Yconic Scholarships
• Indspire Bursaries and Scholarships for Indigenous Students
Advocacy and Representation
AUSU regularly advocates for better student support and financial aid and for the removal of systemic barriers that students face in the post-secondary system. We will be using information collected through our Virtual Food Assistance Program to assist in our advocacy efforts and further develop resources to remove barriers students are facing. Find out more about our advocacy efforts online here.
Please send your valuable opinions, feedback, and suggestions regarding the AUSU Virtual Food Assistance Program to ausu@ausu.org. We are committed to supporting AU undergraduate students experiencing food insecurity, and look forward to hearing from you!