We know that food is expensive, and we believe that you deserve to eat. Check out our list of free and affordable food programs, on campus and in the community!

The Loaded Ladle

The Loaded Ladle  is a student-run co-op (as a levied society, King’s and Dal students pay into it), that provides accessible, sustainable, and locally-sourced free food on Dal’s campus. They serve plant-based meals with gluten friendly options during free lunch program and do community work around food justice. You can find this community staple on the main level of the Dal Students’ Union Building. Open to all students and community members.

Free Soup Wednesdays at The Galley!

The Galley, the King’s Food Security Initiative, and the Loaded Ladle partner up to bring students free vegan soup, every Wednesday. The soup is typically ready by 11:30am, but Soup is served until the supply runs out. The Galley is located in the King’s Wardroom/Day Students Lounge.

Beet Street Market

The Beet Street Market is a student-run food market operated by the Dal Student Union’s Office of Sustainability in partnership with the Loaded Ladle. This market runs on volunteers (so sign up below!)  every Wednesday from 10 am - 3pm and offers local produce and grocery items at affordable prices. Students can also purchase a Food Box ahead of time. It is located in the lobby of the Dalhousie Student Union Building (SUB) on University Avenue.

Dalhousie Student Union Food Bank

The DSU Foodbank  is operated by the Dalhousie Student Union and it’s open to any students and community members who need it. To access the food bank, complete the registration form and select an appointment time here. At your appointment time, you must bring your ID (for students: any university/college ID card, for community members: any ID with your full name, date of birth, and picture). Hours change, times can be selected when making an appointment. It is located in the lower level of the Dal Student Union Building.

SUNSCAD Food Bank

This food bank is operated by the Student Union of NSCAD and supplied by Feed Nova Scotia. It’s open to any students and community members who need it. Patrons are allowed up to 7 non-perishable items, but there is no limit on fruits & veggies. Hours are Mondays 1-4pm, Wednesdays 1-3pm, Fridays 9-11am. Located on NSCAD’s Fountain Campus, around the corner from the SUNSCAD office.

Find a Community Food Bank or Meal (Feed Nova Scotia)

Check out Feed Nova Scotia’s “Find Food” page. Use your address or select your city/town to find the full list of community food security programs near you. Included are food banks and meal programs, as well as descriptions, locations, and hours.

Resources that support your physical, mental, and sexual health, including free or low-cost clinics, youth services, and crisis supports.

Phoenix Youth

Phoenix Youth is a not for profit organization dedicated to supporting youth and contributing to a vibrant community. They offer a variety of important services and programsincluding shelter, food, housing support, health care, parenting support, recreation, education, and employment services, and clinical therapy.

Stepping Stone

Stepping Stoneis a not for profit organization that provides services and support to current and former sex workers.

Avalon Sexual Assault Centre

Avalonis a  feminist not for profit organization that works to end sexualized violence and help those who’ve been affected by it by offering free services including counselling. 

Resources to help with finding safe housing, understanding tenant rights, and getting support with rental issues.

Dalhousie Legal Aid Tenants Rights Guide

Dalhousie Legal Aid offers this Tenants Rights Guidewhich has everything you need to know about renting, your rights as a tenants, how to handle disputes, template letters and more!

Phoenix Youth Shelter

Phoenix Youth Shelterprovides free, safe, emergency accommodations to youth ages 16-24 who are unhoused. The Shelter supplies daily essentials (food, clothing, shelter, etc.) around the clock to youth who seek support. All residents have access to daily programming and are connected with a Key Worker who provides on-going guidance and support to help residents meet their identified goals.

Canada Nova-Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit

The Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefithelps renters with the cost of their rent if they pay more than 40% of their pre-tax (gross) household income on the average market rent in their area (not the rent that they pay). You can apply any time, but applying in advance is reccomended since wait times for approval can be long.

Housing & Tenants Rights

Legal Aid

Free or low-cost legal support for students and community members. Services are confidential and aim to help students and community members understand their rights and navigate legal processes.

Dalhousie Legal Aid

Dalhousie Legal Aid Service is a community-based office in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Dalhousie Legal Aid has a three-part mandate:

1. to provide legal aid services for persons who would not otherwise be able to obtain legal advice for assistance;

2. to conduct research, provide information, make recommendations, and engage in programs relating to legal aid and law reform in the Province of Nova Scotia;

3. to provide an educational experience in the solution of legal problems for students enrolled in the Faculty of Law of Dalhousie University who participate in the work of the service.

Nova Scotia Legal Aid

Nova Scotia Legal Aid has many free legal services to help adults and youth facing a range of legal issues.  If you have a legal problem, they can provide:

• Legal information

• Summary Legal advice (a one time consultation)

• Representation by a lawyer (a lawyer for the case)

Resources to help students get around affordably and sustainably, including bike repair spaces, and transportation options.

Bike Again

Bike Again is a volunteer-run, do-it-yourself bike shop. The Ecology Action Centre provides the space, tools, and some know-how, you do the work. Bike Again aims to get more people on bikes, empower them to repair their bikes, provide a place for people to bring bikes they no longer use, and to create community centred around a shared love of the humble bicycle.

Affordable Access Transit Pass Program

The Affordable Access Transit Pass Program (AATP) offers a 50% discount on the regular price of Halifax Transit monthly adult transit passes to residents in financial need. The AATP is a part of Halifax's Affordable Access Program (AAP) and is open to eligible residents of Halifax Regional Municipality.

Resources that are available to students who are in financial need.

King's Urgent Need Bursary Program

King's Urgent Need Bursary Program   is available for students who find themselves in urgent financial need during any academic term. The program provides bursaries of up to $500, depending on the urgent need that is demonstrated by each applying student.