What is Distro?

Distro is a program combatting food insecurity among Laurier & Luther students that exists through a partnership between LSPIRG & Luther (https://luther.wlu.ca/).

We collect donations so that we can provide free groceries and other essentials for students who really need them. We provide items such as:

- Fresh groceries
- Pantry items
- Community resources
- Social justice swag

History
In the Fall term of 2020, LSPIRG and Luther recognized the serious level of food insecurity that was compounded due to COVID-19 unemployment and existing services being closed due to lockdown. We started the Distro program as two people outside with one table with some non-perishable food items, and have since grown in every way. While Distro started due to the pandemic, our community will continue to need this support until our society changes. We are committed to this permanent program and this would not be possible without our incredible community.

Please read below to understand what food insecurity is - Distro is intended to serve those who are experiencing marginal to severe food insecurity. If you’re not food insecure but you still want to get involved, you’d make a great volunteer - click here to sign up.

Identifying Food Insecurity

  • If you regularly skip meals, or eat smaller quantities at meals, or choose less healthy/other food than you'd like, or have to choose between food and textbooks, rent, bills, or other financial costs... then you may be experiencing food insecurity. You are not alone!

  • Please reflect on the above levels of food insecurity and determine if you think accessing Distro is right for you. If you are experiencing marginal, moderate or severe food insecurity, our program is for you to come and take what you need.

Things You Need to Know Before Coming

  • Please reflect and assess that you are experiencing some level of food insecurity (see above).

  • Take as much as you need. We do not limit how much students take because we don’t know how much you need. However, please keep in mind that the supplies we have must be shared amongst many.

  • Please bring your Laurier One Card so we can verify you are a current Laurier student (Waterloo-specific)

  • Please bring your own bags

  • If you cannot make it during the Distro times for any reason, please reach out to discuss pickup and delivery possibilities

Our Values

  • Variety - We are committed to providing options that meet many dietary needs. We provide a variety of fresh vs. non-perishable, convenient vs. cooking ingredients, and food that varies in nutrition.

  • Choice - We believe everyone deserves to be able to choose exactly what they would like to eat. Whether people want to check nutrition labels, ingredients, or just want delicious flavours they enjoy, students should be able to choose what to eat, regardless of income. We aim to be set up like a free grocery store. There is dignity in choice.

  • Anonymity - For a variety of valid reasons, some people do not feel comfortable accessing support or sharing their identity. We understand and value the importance of your privacy. We do not ask for any proof of income.

  • Mutual Aid - Unlike a charity model, Mutual Aid understands the capitalist systems’ role in creating unfair distribution of resources and wealth and makes the community as a whole responsible for caring for each other.

  • Equity - We understand that people experiencing intersecting forms of oppression are disproportionately impacted by poverty and food insecurity. This is true everywhere, including here at Laurier, as the Food4Hawks report shows. All aspects of our program are intended to support marginalized communities.