DC’s Food Access Bursary provided relief to students over the holidays

Over the holiday season, $165,700 was distributed through Durham College’s (DC) Food Access Bursary, supporting nearly 1,000 students in need.

As students invest in their future by pursuing post-secondary education, they are often faced with additional challenges, including the rising cost of groceries. Thanks to the collaborative support of the DC community – including employees, alumni, volunteers, students, donors, and DC’s Financial Aid and Awards office – the Food Access Bursary can serve as a relief, supplementing grocery costs for students experiencing food insecurity.

“To see everyone in our community come together is heartwarming. It’s what the Durham College community is all about,” said Ariel Sully, Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations at DC. “Their generosity makes a meaningful impact on our students, and we are so grateful for their support.”

Two college associations returned to support the bursary again this season. The Durham College Student Association (DCSA) were the campaign’s greatest supporter with a donation of $60,000, while the Durham College Alumni Association matched the first $10,000 raised.

“The DCSA is proud to support the college’s effort to fight food insecurity,” said Megan Bent, DCSA Executive Chairwoman. “With rising grocery costs, we saw that the need for support was greater than ever, and we are humbled to have played a role in helping fellow students access the resources they need.”

Originally established as a holiday food drive, the Food Access Bursary is also supported each year by many DC employees who donate directly or through the annual campus Candy Cane Sale, which supports students at both the college and Ontario Tech University.

“Through our collective efforts, we were able to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that more students could focus on their studies and enjoy peace of mind during the holiday season,” added Bent. “Thank you to everyone who supported this important cause and joined us in making a difference for students on campus.”