OTTAWA – A church’s effort to invite University of Ottawa students to a meal served at the Friel Street student residence every two weeks is a hit. Both dinners in September attracted more than 200 students.
The Rev. Michael Garner, incumbent of St. Albans and 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’s 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.
The project follows in the footsteps of an ecumenical program called Open Table that St. Albans participated 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 coordinator. 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.
Perspective
A holy moment on the way