Piikani House, one of the University of Lethbridge's residence buildings. (Photo: U of L)

By David Opinko

U of L launches emergency food program for students living in residence

Oct 2, 2025 | 1:50 PM

Some students at the University of Lethbridge (U of L) will now have an easier time accessing emergency food.

A new Resident Emergency Food Fund (REFF) has been created, thanks to a $2,500 grant from the Food for Thought committee.

Eligible students can receive grocery store gift cards, meal vouchers for the Chartwells food outlets on campus, as well as support with long-term planning, resources and referrals.

Shanna Brown, Campus Life Housing Coordinator, says she is grateful for the funding, as she believes it will make a big difference for students.

“Students were asking us about the food insecurity measures within residence, and we didn’t really have anything established.”

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First-year students who live in residence are required to be on a dining plan, but those who are further in their academic journeys are not. Brown says this leaves many students short of food.

To access the program, students will be asked to fill out an application form and meet with a member of the Residence Life team, who will determine the long-term support needs.

Additional Food for Thought programming for students includes The Bodega, a food-sharing hub where students can pick up snacks, non-perishables, hygiene products and gently used kitchenware items; food literacy workshops; free fresh produce events and the Campus Roots Community Garden.

The U of L Students’ Union also runs its own food bank.