A Healthy Campus Starts with Food Security

March is Nutrition Month in Canada, and this year's theme is Nourish to Flourish

The theme goes beyond the basics of physiological health to celebrate the integral role of nutrition in mental health, emotional resilience, and fostering social and cultural connections. It’s a versatile, meaningful, and inspiring theme that opens the door to countless opportunities for promoting the power of nutrition across diverse communities. – Dietitians of Canada [1]

Food security is one of the pillars of a Healthy Campus [2] at U of G, and Student Wellness works alongside other departments and student groups to support students in accessing food that is affordable, nutritious and meets their dietary needs. Approximately 39% (NCHA 2022) of postsecondary students experience food insecurity. This can adversely affect a student’s health, well-being, and academic performance. By supporting students in accessing sufficient and nutritious food, we can enhance their ability to reach their full academic potential.

Nutrition Month Events for Students

• START Skills: Grocery Shopping 101 – March 4: [3] In-person, chance to win a $50 grocery gift card!

• Take the Stress Out of IBS – March 5: [4] Virtual workshops, 5 week program

• SNAP into Polynesian Cuisine @ Creelman – March 5: [5] Try Polynesian Jackfruit Curry, Mango Cucumber Avocado Salad, Hawaiian Coconut Pudding, and more at Creelman Hall

• Gryphon Grocery Bus – March 8: [6] A free bus from U of G to downtown Kitchener's many food stores: African, Middle Eastern, East Asian, Central American and more!

• Nutrition Management of Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – March 12: [7] Virtual or in-person workshop

• FIGS x Bullring Free Cafe – March 12: [8] Free homemade meal from student-run group Food Insecurity Group Support and The Bullring

• Meal Planning Made Easy – March 19: [9] Virtual or in-person workshop

• FIGS x Bullring Free Cafe – March 19: [8] Free homemade meal from student-run group Food Insecurity Group Support and The Bullring

• Nutrition Month Fair @ UC Courtyard – March 20: [10] Join us 11am-4pm for resources, games and snacks!

• Managing Cravings – March 26: [11] Virtual or in-person workshop

• FIGS x Bullring Free Cafe – March 26: [8] Free homemade meal from student-run group Food Insecurity Group Support and The Bullring

• Gryphon Grocery Bus – March 29: [12] A free bus from U of G to downtown Kitchener's many food stores: African, Middle Eastern, East Asian, Central American and more!

• Managing Low Appetite – April 2: [13] Virtual or in-person workshop

• FIGS x Bullring Free Cafe – April 2: [8] Free homemade meal from student-run group Food Insecurity Group Support and The Bullring

• Ramadan Feature at Hospitality – All Month: [14] Find a number of nutritious and nourishing meals across campus, such as Fattoush, falafel and fresh salads, to fuel your body during Ramadan

Nutrition Resources for Students

Get access to healthy food on campus

• U of G Food Market: [10] Weekly markets on campus that offer sliding-scale pricing for fresh produce
• Student Nutrition Awareness Program (SNAP): [15] Nutrition tips, tasty recipes and campus food rewards programs
• Religious & Cultural Food Options on Campus: [16] Find a complete list of dining options on campus for a variety of diets

Access nutrition support & skill-building

• Dietitian Support: [17] Meet 1-to-1 with a Student Wellness dietitian to address dietary concerns, food security, and disordered eating (free)
• Weekly Nutrition Workshops: [18] Virtual or in-person, covering topics such as low appetite, managing cravings and meal planning
• Nutrition Services at the Health & Performance Centre: [19] Nutritional assessments to address athletic performance, health conditions, nutrient deficiencies and more (fee-for-service, may be covered by your health benefits)

Addressing food security

• CSA Student Food Bank: [20] Student-run program for emergency food and anti-poverty resources
• MealCare Guelph: [21] Community fridge in the UC regularly stocked with surplus healthy food, available to all students
• Food Insecurity Group Support (FIGS): [22] Student-run group offering cooking socials, community dinners and free meals
• Guelph-Wellington Food Access Map: [23] A local directory of free and low-cost food services and programs, including food banks

Learn more about what the University of Guelph is doing to support food security for it's students on the Healthy Campus website [2].