Since last winter, the Cégep de Sept-Îles Foundation has been operating a community fridge and pantry for students, providing them with simple and free access to food and snacks.
This initiative is part of the Foundation’s efforts to support student success and persistence. By reducing some of the barriers associated with access to food, the community fridge and pantry aim to address a concrete need among students and help them pursue their studies in better conditions.
A Three-Year Partnership with the Port of Sept-Îles
The project is supported by the Port of Sept-Îles, which has committed to a three-year partnership, contributing $4,000 per year. This support enables the Foundation to maintain a regular supply of food and continue developing the initiative for the student community.
“For the Port of Sept-Îles, education, student success and persistence represent an important area of social investment. We are proud to support an initiative that addresses such a tangible need and can make a real difference in students’ daily lives and educational journeys. Committing to a three-year partnership also allows us to provide sustained support and contribute to the long-term viability of a service that evolves with the needs of the student community. We believe that supporting student success also means creating the conditions that allow young people to focus on their studies and reach their full potential,” explains Mr. Joël Chouinard, Interim President and CEO of the Port of Sept-Îles.
Food Supply
To maintain a diverse selection of food, the Foundation visits the Sept-Îles Food Bank twice a week. The Food Bank contributes to the project by providing food recovered from grocery stores and restaurants in Sept-Îles.
This collaboration helps address a concrete need related to food security while also contributing to the reduction of food waste. The Foundation supplements this supply through regular purchases of products that meet students’ needs.
An Accessible Service
Located in the Cégep cafeteria, the community fridge is available to students and is based on an approach centered on simplicity, dignity and accessibility. Students can take the food they need without having to complete any formal process.
This initiative is part of the various measures implemented by the Foundation through its Assistance and Financial Hardship Fund, which aims to reduce financial barriers that could compromise students’ ability to successfully complete their studies.
“Academic success depends on more than motivation and effort. It also depends on students’ ability to meet their basic needs. With the community fridge, we wanted to go beyond one-time assistance by establishing a resource that is accessible throughout the year. It is a concrete way for the Foundation to address a reality that can have an impact on students’ educational journeys,” adds Ms. Rouxel, Advisor at the Foundation.