“We’ll ask for as many donations as we can so our students are supported”
When Jenna Luczak (Graphic Communications ’19) returned to school to explore new career possibilities, she didn’t know how much Sunday night dinners at her parents’ house would come to mean to her.
Though her husband was still working as a heavy duty mechanic, the rising cost of living had tightened their grocery budget. As a result, there were nights that Luczak would only snack or even skip dinner altogether – but never on Sundays.
“We would be filled up,” says the NAIT Students’ Association (NAITSA) president and JR Shaw School of Business student. “And we’d have leftovers. So on Monday and Tuesday my productivity was through the roof.”
After that, however, “I’d notice that my productivity would go down.”
Unfortunately, Luczak isn't alone in being a student who’s had to make hard decisions about quality or quantity of food. According to 2023 survey, nearly two in five students had recently experienced food insecurity.
That trend has been reflected in the surging demand at NAITSA’s Emergency Food Centre.
Since 2021, the number of hampers going out to students from the on-campus facility has increased nearly 300%, which means the centre needs more donations than ever.
As it did last year, however, NAIT has help in making its appeal for those in need. Walker Wood Foundation, a supporter of post-secondary institutes across Canada, will match total donations of up to $10,000. Those made before 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31 will receive a 2024 tax receipt.
Help hungry students: Make a donation to the NAITSA Emergency Food Centre
Luczak doesn’t see efforts at the food centre slowing any time soon.
“Rent has gone up, living has gone up, transportation has gone up – everything,” she says. “We’ll ask for as many donations as we can just so our students are covered, safe and supported.”
While that support could mean the difference between a balanced meal and a bowl of ramen, Luczak points to a broader, long-term impact. Healthy students ultimately mean a healthy economy. To feed one is to feed the other.
“Students are the future,” she says.
Whether they’re just getting started and ready to bring new ideas to industry, or have paused careers to enhance their experience with the latest knowledge and skills, learners of today have an effect on the ability of the province to grow and prosper.
“That’s why we encourage people to donate,” says Luczak. “It directly affects the Alberta of tomorrow.”
What’s in an emergency hamper?
Each hamper from NAITSA’s Emergency Food Centre aims to provide two to four weeks' worth of non-perishable items. Students can collect a hamper once a month.
These include products such as peanut butter, canned goods (soups, vegetables, proteins and fruits), dry pasta, rice and granola bars, as well as hygiene items based on availability, such as deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, and razors.
Hampers cost between $150 and $175 to assemble. Each one provides students with up to two weeks of food.
Donate today