MacEwan re-launches free breakfast program to support student well-being
Free food for students twice a month
MacEwan University is relaunching its free breakfast events for students, starting Sept. 26, aimed at supporting student well-being and morale, with regular opportunities for a nutritious start throughout the semester.
The Breakfast Club, organized by the Student’s Association of MacEwan University (SAMU), provides food twice a month on Thursdays. Students receive a paper bag and can fill it with a selection of items such as muffins, cereals, milk, cheese, eggs, crackers, fruit, and other rotational options.
The program also caters to dietary restrictions, offering dairy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free choices. At the end of each semester, a hot breakfast is provided.
“The Breakfast Club is very valuable for students. Sometimes, stress and school don’t leave a lot of time for everything else. Having an event like this available to students is not only a great service provided by SAMU for students but integral for the success of students”, said events assistant Lucy Gordon.
According to SAMU, The Breakfast Club is meeting its mandate. Last year, each day of Breakfast Club had approximately 550 students attend.
According to registered dietitian Dee Madore, breakfast eaters tend to perform better in school, and that people who eat breakfast have better test scores, improved memory, improved focus, and are less likely to be absent or tardy. In the same study, schools with breakfast programs also report fewer behavioral problems and visits to the school nurse.
Brandon Dahl, a third year MacEwan student says that with rising grocery prices, the Breakfast Club program has been really helpful. “I don’t go shopping as often as my roommate and I are looking to save,” said Dahl. “I end up not having good lunches at home, so I often find myself buying food on campus. It’s nice to save a little extra on breakfast club days.”
Trizia Solis, a fourth year MacEwan student said “I look forward to Breakfast Club. I’ve never been late to class when I get up early for free breakfast. I have more energy and focus more in class since the breakfast helps fuel me for the day”
