The Unified Support Centre’s (USC) Emergency Essentials Assistance Program provides hampers of food, personal hygiene items, feminine hygiene products, and safer sex supplies to students in need.

As the cost of living and food continues to rise, the demand for food assistance to students on campus increases. The USC is in constant need of food and monetary donations to maintain and expand operational capacity. Every contribution helps us support the Carleton community!

Each hamper is designed to support a student with their food and essentials-related needs for at least a week. At this time, demand is substantially exceeding the current Ottawa Food Bank and community donations, requiring substantial supplementary purchases.

Since May 2025, the program has supported 2,110 students, with 371 hampers being distributed on average per month during the academic year.

Funds collected will be used to purchase the food, essentials, and reusable bags necessary to create the USC’s hampers. Additional funding will also help us to expand our current offerings – allowing the USC to serve different dietary restrictions and preferences (Dairy-free, Halal, vegan, gluten free, nut free, etc.) to meet students’ needs.

Your contribution will support the USC in offering consistent, reliable, and direct food and essentials related support to all Carleton University students in need so they can focus on their studies.

Donations are always welcome and can be dropped off at the USC office (132 University Centre) at any point during our operational hours from 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM on weekdays and 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM on weekends.

For large donations that are only available for pick-up, please contact usc@cusaonline.ca.