The StFX community once again rallied to Stuff the Bus on Nov. 28, helping those in need have access to healthy food by donating 1,000 lbs of food and hygiene products supporting Kevin’s Corner Food Resource Centre at StFX and the Antigonish Community Food Bank and raising over $22,000 in financial donations.
The StFX Bus was parked outside Morrison Hall for most of the day collecting donations for the food banks. The event is organized on campus by the StFX Advancement and Human Resources departments, and is part of Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement about giving back and helping others. StFX is part of a collaborative campaign involving all universities and colleges across Nova Scotia.
About 40 per cent of post-secondary students in Canada are food insecure.
All financial donations were matched dollar for dollar by J & W Murphy Foundation (up to $5,000).
“We are incredibly thankful for their continued support; the impact of their philanthropy will be felt across the campus and throughout our shared community,” says Wendy Langley, StFX Director of Development.
J & W Murphy Foundation spokesperson Lisa Murphy says they’re proud to partner with post-secondary institutions throughout Nova Scotia once again. “Food affordability and the overall cost of living has only become more concerning since we started this initiative four years ago, so it means a lot that people are showing up for students year after year,” she says.
“I think the reason the campaign has been such a success is that it is so relatable for so many people. Everyone who has been a student can remember a time when their resources were stretched thin, and everyone can appreciate how the cost of basic goods has skyrocketed in recent years.
“The impact of student food insecurity extends far beyond the lack of access to adequate nutrition. They can also face worsened health outcomes such as poor psychosocial health and a higher risk of chronic diseases. This all profoundly affects their ability to succeed. We’re looking forward to seeing Nova Scotia rise to the challenge again this year so that students get to stay focused on their learning during this important time in their lives.”
Financial donations are still being accepted and anyone wanting to support this cause, can give online at www.stfx.ca/give.
