Embark Grocery Support Fund
Embark Sustainability is a resource hub empowering SFU students on their sustainability journeys through dialogue and transformative action. Our mission is to create a hub that empowers and resources SFU students and allies in their sustainability journeys. We serve transformative communities by centring anti-oppression, decolonization, and equity in impactful programming, events, and initiatives. Through this work, we spark dialogue and drive action to dismantle oppressive frameworks within institutions and our interconnected climate and food systems.
About the Program
In an effort to combat food insecurity, Embark provides SFU undergraduate and graduate students up to $100 of grocery support per semester through grocery expense reimbursements and/or grocery store gift cards. Our goal is to address immediate food insecurity through direct grocery support.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Embark Grocery Support Fund, students must be enrolled at SFU as an undergraduate or graduate student in the semester in which they are applying for funds.
Students will need to provide the following information:
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- SFU Email
- SFU Confirmation of Enrolment for the current semester
- Full name for the cheque
- Full name for mailing address
- If relevant, itemized receipt(s)*
- Selection of funding type
- Optional
- Reflections on food security and access to culturally relevant food
- Demographic self-identification (same categories as bursary)
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*If you are applying for Receipt Reimbursement, we require itemized receipts that are dated within the semester in which you are applying. Students that receive a Grocery Store Gift Card may be asked to provide an itemized receipt once the credit has been redeemed. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Types of Funding
Receipt Reimbursement
Students can have their grocery store receipts reimbursed up to 100 dollars each semester through cheque. This allows students to receive support while still shopping at the stores of their choosing, increasing access to culturally relevant foods, allergen-friendly foods, and foods students are familiar with and can cook, prepare, and enjoy.
Grocery Store Gift Cards
In some circumstances, reimbursement for grocery store purchases might not be the best support for students, as they cannot readily pay for their groceries to start with. This is why we also provide an option to receive a grocery store gift card. The following are our choices in grocery store gift cards:
- Grocery Essentials Card (minimum $10)
- President’s Choice (minimum $25)
- Nesters Market (minimum $25, physical card)
Gift cards are valued at $100 per request. If a student previously received a grocery reimbursement in the same semester but received less than $100, the gift card will cover the difference if feasible (see gift card minimums above).
Funding Process
Disbursement
You will receive status updates about your application through your SFU email. Funding dispersal for selected applicants will take up to four weeks upon confirmation of success.
Intake Periods
Intake for applications is done on a semesterly basis, open on the first day of classes and closed after the last day of exams.
- Spring 2026: January 19 – April 25
- Summer 2026: May 11 – August 23
Note on Program Availability
As total funds are limited, this is not a guaranteed funding program in the long term and should not be relied upon as a sole source of support.
Students seeking additional food security support at SFU are encouraged to connect with the Simon Fraser Student Society.
Privacy, Data Protection, and Compliance
Applications are governed by BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) where data will be stored for up to five years. Applicants may request deletion of data at any time. Within applications, there will be a request for explicit consent collected for data storage, including potential storage outside Canada. No use of data beyond program administration and consented communications will take place.
Questions
If you have any questions about this fund or need support in completing the form, please reach out to Embark’s Director of Development at development@embarksustainability.org.
To Apply
To apply, please review this page in full. You will need to provide all the information stated in the program’s eligibility criteria and complete the application form below by 11:59PM PDT on the last day of the current intake period on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Funding disbursement for successful applicants will take up to four weeks. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Embark’s Director of Development at development@embarksustainability.org.