New food bank space The Pantry now open at Ƶ Allison
A new food bank space called The Pantry is now open for those in need at Ƶ Allison — a collaboration between Student Life and the Ƶ Allison Students’ Union (MASU). The new space is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Centre, Room 282.
“We are carrying on the important work done in the Indigenous gathering space on campus, which has housed and managed a student food bank for a number of years,” says Director of Student Experience Danai Bélanger. “We know that food insecurity is not an issue only faced by students, so this new space will be accessible for any member of the Ƶ Allison community who needs it.”
The Pantry will be open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and will be staffed with volunteers to assist those who are accessing the space. If you are interested in volunteering with The Pantry, please email EDI Student Advisor Lucy Ofori at lofori@mta.ca.
“Our hope is that The Pantry can act as a safety net that eases the financial worries of students and grants easy access to necessities, including food items, toiletries, and even some clothing items,” says MASU VP, Student Life Cailean Clements. “The Pantry is an invaluable resource and we hope it can evolve to reflect the diverse needs of the entire Ƶ Allison community.”
Donations can be dropped off during The Pantry’s open hours or left at the entrance of the space. Fresh staple items like eggs and bread will be intermittently available. The goal is to also provide more ethnic food options, toiletries, and pet food, along with non-perishables. Reusable bag and egg carton donations are also welcome. Gift card donations can be dropped off to the Student Life or MASU Offices during business hours.
Items currently in need:
- Gluten-free options (crackers, corn and tortilla chips, etc.)
- Pasta sauce
- KD cups/Mr. Noodle cups
- Milk/bagged milk
- Lactose-free milk and butter
- Microwaveable plain rice (can be found at Dollar Store)
- Any non-perishable
- Hygiene products
A mural is being planned for the space, which will be painted by a Fine Arts student.
Follow on Instagram to get the latest updates, such as donation needs and featured items.
The Pantry is also supported by a Food Security Committee that advises on food security matters on campus.
Permanent members, include:
- Danai Bélanger (Student Life) - co chair
- Cailean Clemens (MASU) - co chair
- Lucy Ofori (EDI advisor)
- Christa Maston (international advisor)
- Kaia Knockwood (Indigenous rep and operations intern)
Term positions, include:
- Fiona Black (faculty)
- Harshita Sivakumar (international rep and research intern)
- Olivia Taylor (off campus)
- Oliver Batchilder (member at large)
- Cathy Crinnion (staff)
The accessibility representative position is currently vacant. Interested applicants can email lofori@mta.ca.
Feedback or questions about The Pantry can be directed to studentlife@mta.ca.
