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Student action

There are many student groups on the Dal campus taking action on food system sustainability.

The Loaded Ladle

The Loaded Ladle is a non-profit cooperative of students and community members, dedicated to providing healthy, local, affordable food to the Dalhousie campus and community. The Loaded Ladle uses food as a platform to bring attention to political issues, such as food security, student and community poverty, and social justice. They serve free vegan meals in the Student Union Building several times per week, and source food from local producers and supplier

The Loaded Ladle was created as a response to Dalhousie’s exclusivity contracts with corporate food providers. The Loaded Ladle believes students have the right to control their campus food options, and continues to fight for those rights. 

How can you get involved with the Loaded Ladle? It's easy and fun! They always need help getting all that yummy food ready and serving up their delicious dishes.  They also regularly host workshops and solidarity servings with other groups and political events.

Check out their Facebook page and X (Twitter), or e-mail them at loadedladle@gmail.com anytime for details on how to work with them throughout the year!

Dalhousie Student Union Sustainability Office (DSUSO)

The DSUSO strives to create a culture built on sustainable practices within DSU Operations and at Dalhousie University. 

Some of their goals include:

  • Implementing student and community run initiatives on campus through funding and peer support.

  • Challenging oppressive behaviours in our community.

  • Engaging with key decision-making bodies within the university to promote environmental responsibility and accountability.

The Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) introduced a Farmer's Market to make fresh, Nova Scotia grown produce available to students at a low cost. Produce is also available through pre-ordering with their Food Box program.

  • Studley Campus Farmer's Market Hours: Tuesdays 10:00am - 5:00pm and Wednesdays 10:00am - 4:00pm in the Student Union Building Lobby, 6136 University Ave  
  • Sexton Campus Farmer's Market Hours: Wednesdays 11:30am - 2:30pm in the T-Room, Gym Building, 1360 Barrington St

The easiest way to become involved is to email the DSUSO at dsu.sustain@dal.ca. They’d love to hear your ideas for speakers, workshops, garden parties, panels, publications, tastings, or anything else you can think of!

Engineers Without Borders

Engineers Without Borders (EWB) is a Canada-wide NGO that works to eliminate poverty in Africa through sustainable development and aid reform and education in Canada, and to promote socially conscious thinking among Canadian engineers.  Part of this work is promoting the use of fair trade products in Canada, especially through the Fair Trade Campus program. Students at university chapters across Canada are working hard on increasing the availability and awareness of fair trade on campuses, including at Dal where the EWB chapter is spearheading the Fair Trade Campus program.

Your Environment Sustainability Society (YESS)

YESS is a student society working under the College of Sustainability at Dalhousie University. They meet weekly to discuss and collaborate on ways to make our institution a more sustainable one for the future. YESS hosts occasional workshops on local food and sustainability. 

For more information, email YESS at dalhousie.ess@gmail.com.

Agricultural Campus Plant-Based Society

The Agricultural Campus Plant-Based Society seeks to educate about the sustainability and benefits of a plant-based diet & the vegan lifestyle. All individuals on and off campus practicing or curious about cruelty-free/plant-based topics and the lifestyle are welcome.