Addressing Food Insecurity at Dawson College

Food insecurity affects over 50% of youth in Quebec attending CEGEPs and universities, according to several recent surveys in the province. In response, Dawson College has expanded the once a week Dawson Dinin’, run by the Dawson Student Union, to a robust food justice initiative to support its community. Collaborating with the Dawson Student Union (DSU), the Office of Sustainability, Student Services, the Dawson Foundation, and Chef Jamal of Xpensive Cuisine, the college offers a free vegetarian and vegan food service four days a week.

The program includes Dawson Dinin’ (zero waste meals), providing free vegan lunches every Tuesday and Wednesday, the Early Bird Breakfast, offering vegetarian meals every second Monday and every Thursday, as well as the Zero Waste Cafe every second Monday. These services are open to all students and employees, aiming to alleviate financial and time pressures associated with food insecurity. As of May 8, 2025, the initiative has served 11,532 meals during the 2024–2025 academic year. Most recently, the Dawson Student Union launched Dawson Snackin’ on Fridays providing nutritious snacks and in April piloted Cont’ed Dinin’ on Wednesday’s to service the Continuing Education students.

This initiative aligns with Dawson College’s Strategic Plan commitments and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 1 & 2: No Poverty and Zero Hunger. By providing accessible, plant-based meals, the program promotes sustainability, equity, and community well-being. It also offers opportunities for students and employees to engage through volunteering, fostering a sense of community, and shared responsibility while taking direct climate action.

Dawson College’s food justice program meets a serious growing need as well as exemplifies a commitment to student success and social responsibility, ensuring that all members of the community have access to nutritious meals.

La Presse featured Dawson’s food programming in an article on Feb. 18: https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/education/la-faim-guette-les-cegepiens/2025-02-18/insecurite-alimentaire-au-cegep/etre-etudiant-ca-coute-cher.php

There is also a short video produced in-house by the Office of Sustainability about Dawson Dinin’: https://vimeo.com/1069958562 

-Submitted by Diana Rice