³ÉÈË´óƬ UniversityConcerned about the cost of food? This page provides a list of free or inexpensive food access resources for students. Visit the links below for up-to-date information on where to get food, learn to cook, get discounts on food, and much more!
If you are consistently finding it difficult to afford food, financial aid options can be explored with the Office of the University Registrar - Financial Aid and Awards Office.
Where to Eat on Campus
- The PEACH Market offers high-quality and nutritious food, and fresh daily menus, using a pay-what-you-can model. The market is open Mon., Wed., and Fri., 11 am – 2 pm during the Fall/Winter terms in the Medical Building on Arch Street.
- Whole Bowls are low-cost, warm meals made daily and sold year-round at Mackintosh-Corry Hall (MC2) (near the soups).
- Look for products with the Just in Time 50% off sticker to buy baked goods and grab-and-go items at a reduced price before they expire. Participating retail food locations include: The Lazy Scholar, Location 21, Goodes Café, Wally’s, MC2, Jean Royce Barista, The Library Café, Cafe UNION, and Student Street Express.
Grocery Store Discounts for Students
Student discounts are available with the presentation of a valid Queen’s University student card at many grocery stores in Kingston:
- Metro, 310 Barrie St - 10% discount every day
- Loblaws, 1100 Princess Street - 10% back in PC Optimum points every day with a valid PC Optimum card
- Food Basics, 33 Barrack St. - 10% discount on Tuesdays
- Bulk Barn, 145 Princess St., 1201 Division St., and 830 Norwest Rd. - 15% discount on Wednesdays
Learning to Cook & Meal Prep
Keep an eye on the Student Wellness Services event calendar to sign up for cooking events and take-home kits including:
- Healthy Cooking Sessions: join Peer Health Educator (PHE) volunteers for a $10 interactive group cooking class.
- $5 Fresh Food Boxes: contains fresh produce and key ingredients to prepare an easy and healthy recipe.
- Mason Jar Meal Kits: contains ingredients, spices, and instructions to prepare a quick soup or stew.
- Grocery Game Plan: join PHE volunteers for a hands-on workshop that covers nutrition basics, as well as how to meal plan and create grocery lists. Participants will receive a grocery-store gift card, and will shop together.
Missed an event? Check out previous recipes on the .
Campus Markets & Affordable Produce
- Visit Lionhearts' Fresh Food Market during , for access to fresh produce at a discounted rate, along with other select food items.
- provides weekly access to fruits, vegetables, grain products, and proteins for students in need. Open to undergraduate, graduate and professional Queen's students.
- The , accessed through the , provides students with monthly access to fresh produce. Community partners provide 20 boxes free of charge to Queen's students; further boxes may be purchased through their discounted pricing program.
Prepared Meals
- Drop-in to enjoy some freshly made food and connect with other students and staff from various Student Affairs departments at our summer Food and Community events.
- The Swipe It Forward program provides short-term, urgent support for access to meals in residence dining halls. During Fall and Winter terms, students struggling to afford food may access up to 25 meals per semester through a referral from a program partner.
- Keep an eye on the for Community Soup Lunches, open to all students, staff, and faculty.
- is a local student-run service that provides a wide variety of freshly prepared meals. Open through the Fall and Winter terms at . For more info, follow on Instagram.
Recipes & Food Blogs
Giving Back
Looking to help out peers with food access support?
- Donate one dining hall meal per day of your meal plan, up to five per semester, to a student in need by asking a cashier to Swipe It Forward.
- Check in with , , and the for volunteer opportunities.
- Donate non-perishable goods to the or to a .