It鈥檚 important to care for our bodies and fuel them with sustaining food to support our graduate work, yet food insecurity remains an ongoing concern. Thankfully, there are several free and low-cost food initiatives on campus or nearby, designed to support us. Here are a few programs worth knowing about:
Peer Wellness Mason Jar Meals and Fresh Food Boxes
Health Promotion Hub, John Deutsch University Centre, room 430
Each month Peer Health Educator (PHE) volunteers offer two great options for students: 1 Mason Jar Meal (always free) and 1 Fresh Food Box ($5 or free when sponsored by SGPS). Think of it as 鈥淗ello Fresh,鈥 but more affordable and designed with students in mind. Simply sign up, pick up on campus and cook at home. Each box comes with all the ingredients and a recipe to make a meal for about four people. They make great leftovers, take the guesswork out of meal planning and grocery shopping, and are always vegetarian, healthy, and delicious. Today happens to be the pick-up day for September鈥檚 Fresh Food Box which is a . Even if you didn鈥檛 sign up, the program is a great resource for finding affordable, nourishing recipes.
For more details on how to sign up, check out last year鈥檚 blog post. Just note that dates and locations are different this year. Healthy Eating on a Budget: How Peer Health Educator Mason Jar Meals & Fresh Food Boxes Support Grad Students
Peer Wellness also offers Healthy Cooking Sessions and Grocery Game Plan programs. I have yet to check these out, but they look fantastic!
, 212 Barrie St, Kingston
Run by students for students, Good Times Dinner offers both prepared meals and take-home kits every Sunday and Wednesday evening. You can sign up for free through the link on their Instagram page to reserve a kit with all the ingredients to make a meal yourself, or choose a hot, prepared dinner instead. Because of high demand, students are limited to one meal per week (either a kit or prepared meal). That said, there are usually extras available so even without a sign-up, it鈥檚 worth joining the line. The program has not yet launched for this academic year but keep an eye out as it should be starting soon. An added bonus is that the prepared meals are so creative and always have desert. Yum!
PSAC Office: Room 547, Robert Sutherland Hall
In partnership with Vintage Soil Farms, PSAC 901 continues to provide members with free, farm-fresh produce this fall. Use the sign-up form linked above and visit the PSAC office for farm fresh veggies. Yes, they do taste better than the grocery store.
87 Union Street, John Deutsch University Centre, Room 212.
Mondays, Wednesdays, 5:00PM to 7:00PM, Thursdays, 12:00PM to 2:00PM
The AMS Food Bank provides a judgment-free space for students to access groceries, including produce, dairy, meat, non-meat proteins, and snacks. Special orders of up to $15 can also be placed. On the second Thursday of each month, United Way Kingston donates 20 additional produce boxes. Sign up for the AMS mailing list to be notified when when Good Food Box orders go live as it is on a first sign up first serve basis. Remember to bring your valid student ID to access the foodbank.
Donations of food or reusable shopping bags are always welcome.
Grad school might not come with a survival kit, so this year on Gradifying I鈥檒l make you one. Check back for more essentials, tips, and small joys that make the journey a little easier.