McMaster University provides support (e.g. food, housing, transportation, legal services) for students from low income families to enable them to complete university.

“Loonies for Lunches” campaign addresses food insecurity

Linda Duong, Angenie Christy Antony, Kimia Kermanchi and Priyanka Ramchurreetoo have created “Loonies for Lunches,” a campaign to improve McMaster students’ access to food and nutrition. Building off a previous McMaster Hospitality Services campaign, this was a way to make existing services more accessible and known.

Loonies for Lunches offers customers at La Piazza the opportunity to add $1 to their purchase to Lockers of Love, a McMaster Food Collective Centre (FCC) project that enables students to privately access groceries (or funds for groceries) on an as-needed basis.

Providing confidential relief for food insecurity

The McMaster Food Collective Centre (FCC) is McMaster’s on-campus food bank and food security resource. Run by students, the goal of the FCC is to cultivate stronger food systems in the McMaster and surrounding community and advocate for increased food security. Resources are available for a variety of those in need, including students, alumni, staff, and Hamilton community partners.

The FCC provides confidential relief for food insecurity with many initiatives like Lockers of Love, which enables students to privately access groceries (or funds for groceries) on an as-needed basis.

 McMaster’s Community Fridge

The McMaster Community Fridge offers accessible, nutritious and free produce, packaged meals and other food staples to anyone who needs it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Located on McMaster University’s main campus, the fridge addresses food insecurity by making available donations of fresh, frozen and non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products and pet food products.

‘Food for Thought’ provide cooking and food experiences

Food for Thought McMaster provides students the opportunity to discover and experience how to cook healthy, affordable and delicious meals.

These cooking classes are offered free of charge and help students develop confidence and creativity in the kitchen while learning practical ways to incorporate healthy meals and snacks on a budget. Food for Thought is a working group made up of food enthusiasts and volunteers from various McMaster and community groups looking to make a difference.

Hamilton Street Railway Bus Pass 

McMaster University provides all full-time undergraduate students with a free, unlimited yearly HSR Bus Pass with the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The bus pass is administered through PRESTO and provides students with safe and cost-free transportation around McMaster and the Hamilton area.

McMaster Tax Services

The Mac’s Money Centre Tax Squad offers accessible online services to help students file their taxes in a stress-free and efficient manner. Through this initiative, students can register for tax day clinics, do-it-yourself tax webinars, and also join in on drop-in virtual tax appointments. All services are free and are run through the Hamilton Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), which helps Hamilton individuals and families with low income complete their taxes for free.

Emergency Financial Aid

McMaster University offers emergency financial support for students in need of help. Enrolled students can apply for emergency financial support if they have immediate and unexpected expenses leading to financial hardship. This initiative works in tandem with other university resources in order to provide students with the support they need to reach their academic goals.

Scholarships & Bursaries

McMaster provides support to many under-represented groups and enhances this with mentoring, scholarships, and targeted programs. These scholarships & bursaries includes multiple access schemes specifically designed for female students, including financial aid and free programs.

Guided, Personalized First-Year Success

Archway is an initiative made up of students to provide personalized community support for first-year McMaster University students. All first-year students are connected with a group of 35 students and a mentor to connect with online so that every student can easily navigate McMaster resources and keep students updated on events and wellness resources.

The Archway team helps students feel ready for classes and feel connected with fellow first-year students.