Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), CÉGEP de l’Outaouais (CO) and CÉGEP Heritage College (CHC) received support from expert organization Table de Concertation sur la Faim et le Développement Social de l’Outaouais (TCFDSO) to better measure and counter food insecurity experienced by students at the three higher education institutions.

The Student Food Security Initiative (Aliment’action étudiante en Outaouais) project will better meet the food needs of a student population spread throughout the Outaouais area. Launched at UQO in the fall of 2022, the project led by the TCFDSO is looking to expand to the CO and CHC student communities.

The project’s overall objective is to improve access to community resources combatting food insecurity among students. This will be achieved through two specific goals: 1) make it easier for resources at the PESO institutions to refer students to food security resources already in the area, and 2) offer food aid directly on campus once or twice per semester in the fall and winter to demystify food insecurity and provide information about the food banks available.

First, a concerted effort will be made to train participants from the PESO institutions and community organizations to improve the referral and support services for students, and to explain to the network the specific needs of the students according to their places of residence throughout Outaouais.

Second, one-off events will be held during the two terms to offer emergency food aid to all students. These could also be used to inform the community of the different food security services available and to promote any other food-related activities or initiatives (e.g. collective kitchens, community fridges, etc.).