Nourishing Students: Queen’s Mason Jar Meals Initiative
Queen’s University is taking an innovative approach to tackle food insecurity among graduate and professional students through a unique collaboration between Queen’s Student Wellness Services and the Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS). The newly launched initiative provides free meals while also offering essential cooking skills, ensuring that students can maintain a healthy diet without breaking the bank.
A Community-Centric Approach
The program provides 80 Mason Jar Meals each month, strategically distributed across four campus locations that are easily accessible for busy graduate and professional students. Each meal kit includes all the ingredients necessary to prepare three to four servings of a quick, nutritious meal. This thoughtful initiative not only aims to provide wholesome food but also encourages self-sufficiency by teaching students how to make healthy meals at home.
Funding and Support
The initiative is funded by the SGPS and is administered by the Health Promotion team within Student Wellness Services, a division of Queen’s Student Affairs. The meals are prepared and packed by student Peer Health Educators, who volunteer their time and effort to ensure the program runs smoothly. A student staff member, funded through SGPS, oversees the distribution of these meals, emphasizing the genuinely student-driven nature of the initiative.
Student Voices
Amir Safikhani, a graduate student in the Master of Laws program and the Graduate Food Programming Assistant, manages the distribution and various aspects of this initiative. He notes, “Students at Queen’s want to help each other, and this program is a great example of that. With SGPS and student volunteers, this is a community effort that not only provides a meal but teaches students how to prepare affordable, nutritious food.” This sentiment resonates with many, as food insecurity continues to intersect with academic stress and mental health.
Nutritious and Diverse Meals
One of the highlights of the Mason Jar Meals is their focus on nutritious, plant-based ingredients. The recipes draw inspiration from various culinary traditions, encompassing flavors and cooking styles that many students might not yet be familiar with. So far, meals have included Moroccan rice and spicy lentil and black bean soup, showcasing a rich diversity of flavors while emphasizing health and well-being.
Addressing Financial Pressures
Tanya Joseph, Vice President Community for SGPS, emphasizes the need for such initiatives in a world where many students face rising costs of living. “The SGPS is committed to supporting students as they face increasing financial pressures,” she explains. By addressing food insecurity directly, the initiative aims to alleviate stress related to accessing affordable sustenance, thereby enhancing students’ overall quality of life. The specific targeting of SGPS-reserved meals ensures that resources are equitably distributed among community members who need them most.
Wide-Scale Impact
Over the academic year, this initiative plans to deliver 500 meals to graduate and professional students, complementing other health promotion efforts already in place. This builds on the existing Mason Jar Meals program that has provided around 250 free meals to students, which is open to all through limited registration. This collaborative effort between various student services not only serves to nourish but also fosters a sense of community among students.
Resources and Engagement
Students looking for additional culinary resources can explore the Health Promotion and SGPS websites for further information, including healthy cooking tips and recipes. The “BeWell at Queen’s” blog provides a treasure trove of student-driven content focused on health and wellness. Additional resources for food access are also available through the Student Affairs website, ensuring that students have multiple avenues for support.
By combining nutrition education with accessible meal preparation, Queen’s University is setting a commendable example for addressing food insecurity, emphasizing collaboration and community engagement among its student body. The Mason Jar Meals initiative is more than just a meal program; it’s a holistic approach to cultivating healthier, more empowered students.