AUSU is proud to announce that the Student Food Assistance Program is now open and operating under a new, equity-focused model.
This program supports Athabasca University students experiencing food insecurity. We’ve made important changes to ensure the process is fair, accountable, and respectful of your circumstances.
🚫 No More Draws. No More Guesswork. No More Gaps.
We’ve listened to your feedback and redesigned the program to better serve our members:
- No More Random Draws
Every application is now reviewed using a structured, equity-based scoring system. Support is provided based on demonstrated need—not chance. - No More One-Size-Fits-All Support
Assistance amounts now range from $100 to $250, depending on household size and level of need. - No More Unverified Claims
AUSU may request documentation to verify application details. This protects the integrity of the program and ensures resources go where they’re needed most. - Useful Data Collection
The new system collects anonymised data to help AUSU better understand student needs and improve future services.
Privacy and Data Use Statement
All data collected through this program is confidential and will be used solely for program evaluation by the Athabasca University Students’ Union (AUSU). Individual identifying information will not be shared publicly. Data will be aggregated and analysed to identify trends and improve student support services.
📝 How to Apply
We’ve moved the application to the same secure platform used for AUSU’s Awards and Bursaries program.
To apply:
- Visit 👉 https://ausu.awardsplatform.com
- Sign up or sign in using your @learn.athabascau.ca student email address
- Click “Start Entry”
- Scroll down and select “Food Assistance Program”
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and support is issued as quickly as possible based on available resources.
📄 Formal Policy Statement: Application Processing & Waitlist
The Food Assistance Program operates on a scoring-based system with a fixed issuing schedule. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and processed monthly. Allocations are issued at regular intervals based on available resources and applicant scores.
Applicants who are not selected during a given issuing cycle will be automatically placed on a waitlist, which remains active until the end of the fiscal year. These individuals do not need to reapply unless their household circumstances change significantly or they wish to update their application to improve their score.
Applicants who are selected and receive a food assistance card may reapply later in the fiscal year if their circumstances change or if they require continued support. All applications — whether new, returning, or waitlisted — are reevaluated during each issuing cycle.
At the end of the fiscal year, the waitlist is cleared and a new application cycle begins. Applicants must reapply to be considered for assistance in the new fiscal year.
New Accessibility Survey Launched:
In our mission to transform the educational experience at AU, we are continuing to listen and hear the voices that matter the most – our membership. Over the past month, we’ve conducted several surveys, including our Indigenous Consultation Survey (as part of Phase 1 of our Membership Consultation) and the Student Financial Aid Survey. Thank you to all who participated, you are shaping our advocacy.
With this in mind, we just launched a new survey for students with accessibility accommodations on July 29th. We want to hear about your experiences at AU, because your feedback will help us identify gaps for students with accommodations and create transformative change.
This survey has been emailed to all students, and is open until midnight on August 19th MT. All participants have an opportunity to enter to win a $50 gift card! If you have not received a link to your AU email with the survey, please contact president@ausu.org.
🤝 Our Commitment to You
AUSU is committed to supporting students with compassion, confidentiality, and fairness. These changes reflect our dedication to equity, transparency, and responsible stewardship of member resources.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at president@ausu.org.
Thank you for being part of a student community that cares.
AUSU Team
