The SMU Community Food Room is the on-campus food bank for the Saint Mary’s University community. Our goal is to offer access to safe, nutritious, and culturally acceptable foods in a welcoming environment. In collaboration with , we work to improve food security, food equity, and food literacy on our campus. The Food Room is a partnership with SMUSA and Student Affairs and Services and is operated by student-volunteers.
The SMU Community Food Room is open year-round and is operating by appointment only.
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Bring your Student ID and appointment confirmation—you will be asked to show it to a volunteer.
Bring your own grocery bags.
Each visit requires a new appointment with a valid Student ID.
Be kind – our Food Room is run by volunteers who generously give their time to support the community.
As a donation-based food bank, item availability may vary. We aim to always stock:
Protein (canned or fresh)
Grains
Dairy
Vegetables and fruit (canned or fresh)
Let us know about dietary needs, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
The SMU Community Food Room is primarily intended for Saint Mary’s University students. Due to high demand, we have implemented these guidelines to ensure fair and effective access.
Students from other local institutions may use the Food Room by presenting a valid student ID but may have more limited access.
If you're not a student, we encourage you to explore community resources like NS211 for food assistance and support services.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to support the SMU community.
For more information, email: food.room@smu.ca
Do you have suggestions for the SMU Community Food Room? Submit the online feedback form with suggestions for food room items and ideas for events and programming!
You can get involved by volunteering, donating resources, or supporting the Community Food Room through promotions or events. Volunteers build their customer service skills and gain experience working with a non-profit organization, all while giving back to the campus community. Volunteer involvement can also be tracked through the Co-Curricular Record (CCR).
The Community Food Room thanks supporters for their generous contributions. Your donations are helping to improve food security in the SMU Community and beyond. Questions about donations can be directed to food.room@smu.ca.
Food donations can be dropped off at SMUSA (501 Student Centre) or Student Affairs and Services (301 Student Centre) during business hours, which are typically Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Right now, our desired food donations include: cooking oil, frozen meat, rice, canned or dried legumes, and canned vegetables.
We accept monetary donations, these can help us purchase perishable foods such as milk, eggs, meats.
To all members of the Saint Mary’s community who support the Community Food Room: thank you! We couldn’t serve the needs of the SMU community without your contributions. We also want to extend a special thank you to Feed Nova Scotia, SMUSA, SMU Alumni, and SMU Dining for their continued support.
There are additional food services available off campus, including: