Queen's 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.
Summer Resources
Resources available during the summer term include:
- Whole Bowls: low-cost, warm meals sold at Mackintosh-Corry Hall (MC2).
- Food and Community: held weekly beginning May 26 – drop in for some free freshly made food!
- Keep an eye on the Student Wellness Services event calendar for upcoming summer cooking events and take-home kits.
- Find off-campus supports available in Kingston.
- The Community Cupboard is available for students to access free food, hygiene products, and everyday essentials in a discreet and maintained environment. Located on the main floor of Duncan McArthur Hall along the north hallway of B-wing. It's there to help our community feel cared for, connected, and set up for success both inside and outside the classroom.
- Students can book an or appointment with Health Promotion if they are interested in learning more and/or being connected with food access resources on and off campus.
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
Don't be afraid to ask! Student discounts are not always advertised, but may be available at local grocery stores. Be sure to bring your student card with you, and ask at checkout.
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 during campus or local community pop up dates for access to fresh produce and select food items at a discounted rate.
- provides weekly access to fruits, vegetables, grain products, and proteins for students in need. Open to undergraduate, graduate and professional ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ students.
- The , accessed through the , provides students with monthly access to fresh produce. Community partners provide 20 boxes free of charge to ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ students; further boxes may be purchased through their discounted pricing program.
Prepared Meals
- 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
Off-Campus Resources
Looking for off-campus support available in Kingston?
- offers fresh prepared meals and a supportive community.
- provides non-perishable food items and fresh foods in weekly grocery hampers.
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 .