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For many students, iftar meals serve as a necessary source of nourishment during their Ramadan fast, particularly for students struggling with the rising cost of living, says Nabiha Baki, the president of the Muslim Students’ Association.
But as the sun sets during Ramadan, Muslim students at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) will once again gather as a community connected through faith, thanks to a free iftar program spearheaded by the MSA and the Toronto Metropolitan Students’ Union (TMSU), in collaboration with 11 other volunteering student groups. This program feeds about 200 students a day.
According to the MSA, there are about 14,000 Muslim students at TMU who are observing Ramadan, which follows the lunar cycle and runs this year from Feb. 28 to Mar. 29. According to Statistics Canada’s most recent data, “over half (55%) of people aged 25 to 44 years reported that rising prices were greatly affecting their ability to meet day-to-day expenses in spring 2024” and 27-28 per cent had “expectations to obtain food from a food bank or community organization.”
“The main goal of this initiative is to provide students with the opportunity to experience that sense of community during Ramadan that they might miss out on while being on campus,” said Baki.
“You’re running from class to class, and you might only have dates and water in your bag to break your fast, and that’s it. But this gives students a chance to break their fast in a group, just like they would with family or in their neighbourhoods.”
The initiative, which began several years ago, has evolved from partnering with food trucks to offering iftars one to two days a week. While the program was paused during the pandemic lockdowns in Toronto, it resumed in 2024, and this year, with more financial support, it has expanded to offering food five days a week.
“We’re so fortunate to have the support we need to make it happen this year,” Baki said. “When we first started planning, we threw out big ideas, but we weren’t sure if we could manage it. Now, it’s happening, and it’s amazing.”
The iftar distribution takes place in POD-252 in the podium building at 350 Victoria Street, and is open to all students, not just those who are commuting to campus or have back-to-back classes.
“There are so many international students who don’t have families nearby or may not be able to go home during the week,” said Baki. “For them, breaking their fast with others on campus can feel like being at home again.”
The setup includes designated areas for prayer, which Baki says is a significant improvement from previous years, where students would often have to wait in long lines or struggle to find space in the smaller prayer rooms.
Hafsa Iqbal, TMSU vice president, said she hopes this can send a broader message of solidarity. “The month of Ramadan teaches us about community and supporting each other. We wanted to give a message to everyone on campus that all groups are coming together for this initiative,” she said.
According to Iqbal, the TMSU’s efforts also extend to other programs designed to address food insecurity, including a free breakfast initiative and substantial contributions to a food program during final exam weeks.
“The purpose of all these free food programs is to help students, and with poverty being at its peak, it is challenging for the students to manage all of their expenses and also be able to afford meals,” said Iqbal.
Nikole Dan, Operations Manager, TMSU, said the GFC (Good Food Centre) was established to address growing concerns of food insecurity among students. “Its primary purpose is to ensure that no student has to choose between education and nutrition. It serves as a vital resource for students facing financial challenges during their academic journey,” she said.
Organizers say they hope to provide iftar meals for up to 350 students every day in the future.
