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The Community Table

Details

Next Gen Award

9 9 votes
NorQuest College

The Idea

The Students’ Association of NorQuest College is launching a six-month pilot of The Community Table, a monthly lunch and conversation series designed to strengthen belonging, address food insecurity, and open direct dialogue between students and their elected representatives.

Running from November 2025 through April 2026, this initiative invites students to gather once a month for a free, nutritious lunch and meaningful conversation about campus life, wellness, and inclusion. Many NorQuest students balance studies, work, and family while managing limited resources. Food insecurity is a growing concern that impacts well-being and participation. The Community Table removes that barrier by ensuring that every student has a seat, a meal, and a voice.

Each month, Students’ Council will host up to 50 students for a shared meal and small-group discussion on a themed topic such as connection, belonging, or leadership. Council members will listen deeply and summarize feedback for SANQC and college leadership, turning mealtime into actionable insight.

Goals:

  1. Reduce food insecurity by serving 300 meals across six months.

  2. Strengthen student voice through consistent, accessible engagement.

  3. Foster belonging so students feel supported and heard.

Expected Outcomes:

  • 300 nutritious meals provided to NorQuest students.

  • Increased trust and visibility between students and leadership.

  • Actionable feedback to improve programs and services.

  • Enhanced sense of belonging and connection on campus.

Funding Request: SANQC is seeking $5,000 to cover meal costs for approximately 330 students at $15 per meal for six monthly sessions.

Your support will help us turn lunch into a place where nourishment, conversation, and community come together. With your help, The Community Table will create meaningful connections that last far beyond the meal itself.

Who Will Benefit?

The Community Table will benefit all NorQuest students, particularly those facing food insecurity or limited opportunities to connect. By providing free, nutritious meals and creating space for open dialogue with Students’ Council, it helps students feel seen, valued, and heard. The program fosters belonging, strengthens community ties, and ensures every student has both nourishment and a voice in shaping their college experience.