Two years after its opening, the University of Calgary’s Affordable Market continues to offer students groceries at subsidized prices, with several everyday essentials costing the same or less than they did in 2024. A comparison with Walmart Canada’s online prices suggests that students can save on a basic grocery basket by choosing to shop on campus and taking advantage of the Campus Food Hub.
A basic grocery basket containing staples such as one litre of milk, six eggs, 300 grams of oats, 250 grams of pasta, 120 grams of tuna, a head of lettuce, a bell pepper and a banana costs approximately $7.95 at the Affordable Market, while the same quantities would cost approximately $12.81 based on advertised Walmart prices.The market operates through U of C’s Campus Food Hub and has seen continued growth since launching in September 2024, with an average of 500 shoppers visiting each week throughout the semester and an average transaction of roughly $6 per customer."The purpose is to make good whole foods available at affordable prices for students," said Food Hub Coordinator, Heather Ramshaw in an interview with the Gauntlet.
Ramshaw explained that the market aims to provide fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and eggs at prices students can afford.When the market first opened in 2024, the Gauntlet reported that a package of tofu cost $2.50, a 500-gram container of Greek yogurt was $2.75 and half a dozen eggs cost $1.50. Two years later, tofu continues to sell for the same price, while Greek yogurt has dropped to $2.50 and the cost of eggs has slightly increased to $1.75.These relatively small changes stand against broader increases in grocery costs across Canada. According to Statistics Canada, the cost of food purchased from stores increased by 2.8 per cent between August 2025 and August 2026, with grocery prices sitting 29 per cent higher than they were in August 2021. UCalgary's Student Food Security Fund reported that 32 per cent of students experienced food insecurity in 2024.Compared to Walmart Canada, one of Canada’s more affordable grocery retailers, the Campus Food Hub Affordable Market was cheaper for several products, including eggs, milk, oats and fresh vegetables. The difference was less significant for certain pantry staples, such as pasta and tuna. These comparisons are based on advertised online prices and availability.Ramshaw explained that the market regularly compares its prices against retailers such as Walmart and Superstore to keep its products affordable, particularly when it comes to protein and dairy products, which are among the market's priorities."We're always trying to make sure that we're lower than their prices," she said, adding that certain items, such as eggs, are heavily subsidized because they remain expensive to purchase even at wholesale prices.
For students who have incorporated the market into their weekly grocery shopping, its affordability and convenience have made it a regular stop between classes.
One anonymous student said they primarily visit the market for pasta, explaining that it gets them through "maybe three, four nights of food," while the ability to purchase smaller quantities of produce has also been particularly helpful.
"The food hub is great, 'cause you can take just as much as you need," they said, adding that sometimes they will purchase as little as two potatoes rather than having to buy a larger quantity.
Another anonymous shopper, who has been visiting the market for approximately a year, said they regularly stop by after class on Tuesdays and Thursdays to purchase basics such as milk, eggs and vegetables, describing the prices as "very good for students."
Product availability, however, continues to present a challenge for some shoppers, particularly when popular items sell out before students have an opportunity to purchase them.
During their visit, one student who regularly purchases milk and eggs found that eggs had already sold out, while another shopper explained that although they would rather visit the Affordable Market than a more expensive grocery store, they sometimes have to shop elsewhere when the products they need are unavailable.
"I found sometimes, I'll come to the market, and they'll be out of something that I want," the student explained, adding that although living on campus makes the inconvenience relatively manageable, it can still mean making an additional trip to a grocery store.
According to Ramshaw, the market's popularity has continued to grow with each semester, apart from the quieter spring and summer months, and students are increasingly purchasing more of their groceries from the market rather than stopping by for just one or two items.
"The average transaction a couple years ago would have been like a few dollars maybe," she said, explaining that the higher average transaction now suggests students are relying more heavily on the market for their regular grocery needs.
The market originally launched with two years of funding from the Students' Union's Quality Money program, which has since come to an end. Ramshaw explained that additional donations and offsetting costs between products have allowed the program to continue subsidizing groceries.
While the market's funding streams currently appear stable, its ability to continue operating depends in part on demonstrating that students are using the services available to them, particularly when applying for future grants and seeking additional financial support.
Although the market was established to address food insecurity, it remains open to all students regardless of their financial circumstances, with no requirement to demonstrate financial need or provide an explanation for shopping there.
"As a student, what you can do is just come and shop, and use the programs, and enjoy the space so that we have the data to back it up," Ramshaw said, explaining that student participation allows the Food Hub to demonstrate the need for its programs to potential funders and continue supporting students in the coming semesters.
U of C’s Affordable Market is located on the main floor of Crowsnest Hall and is open Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
