St. Albans’ effort to invite students on the University of Ottawa campus to a meal served at the Friel Street residence every two weeks is, not surprisingly, a hit. Both dinners in September attracted more than 200 students.
The Rev. Michael Garner, who is Incumbent at St. Albans as well a part of the multi-faith chaplaincy at the university, was inspired to start the project after learning that food insecurity is a common problem for university students, magnified by recent high levels of inflation. He learned that the campus food bank has very limited resources and often runs out of food. Although a meal once every two weeks isn’t the solution for student food insecurity on campus, it is a part of an effort to raise awareness about the issue, and it provides an opportunity for church groups to express care and concern for students and a social event to help students connect with one another.
Students at the Sept. 25 dinner expressed their appreciation and spoke about the struggle to make ends meet. “Sometimes I wonder if I should just eat the same thing over and over to save money,” one student told Perspective. “I’m lucky that I can ask my parents for help, but I don’t want to be asking them all the time,” she said, noting that spending $150 recently amounted to surprisingly few groceries that would not last through the month.
The project follows in the footsteps of an ecumenical program called Open Table that St. Albans used to participate in with United and Presbyterian churches to host meals on campus before the pandemic. Open Table has provided $12,000 from its remaining funds for this project, half of which is being used to pay a student co-ordinator, and the other half will help pay for food and supplies. The alumni association heard about the project and donated $2,000 for equipment such as bain-maries to keep food hot while it is being served.
St. Albans’ parishioners have prepared and served two meals so far. They are looking for other Anglican parishes, ecumenical and interfaith partners to participate in the program.
Qu’est-ce que le bonheur?