So, my daily confession… I love food. It’s no secret really; I think we can all collectively agree, food just…gets us. I love really good food though, the food that you look at- and instantly you want to be apart of whatever is making it look so damn good.
As a student, we live on a student budget. Sometimes the luxury of home cooking and mom’s homemade meatloaf, aren’t always at our fingertips. Occasionally, dinner is whatever is in that take-out box in the back of our fridge.
My diet is what some would call “toilsome” I am a gluten-free vegan, and have been embarking on a healthy lifestyle for a couple years now, and diggin’ it. The thing is, Food = Fuel, and I wasn’t finding too much variety to re-fuel around our neck of the woods. As students we’re on the run, and need this fuel to keep us from not being in a perma-zombie mode all day. Like many students, I spend a lot of time zooming in and out of Ryerson campus, realizing there often isn’t enough time in one day. With this being said, a girls gotta eat. When I stop and buy myself a meal, I want it to be good… real good. I want real food, that’s energizing, filling and delicious and also doesn’t make me feel like I’ve been hit by a bus after I eat it.
This past Friday I had the opportunity to attend a cooking show with Ryerson’s new Executive Chef and Assistant Director of Food Services Joshna Maharaj, and I’m still drooling over the food. This girl’s got chops, introducing a fresh new vision for food and dining on campus. Joshna was approached by Administration and challenged to “reshape” food services on campus- and let me tell you -challenge accepted!
This is all spearheaded by Ryerson’s latest commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable foods, in hopes of using 25 per cent locally sourced products.
Now that’s a mouthful. What does it mean for us? It means food will be catered to our dietary restrictions, taste buds and wallets- because indulging in food, should add comfort to our day. The goal is to create an institutional food change. The first change: our menu. Food services have been working hard to create innovative, seasonal and diverse menus, which are promised to liven up our lunch dates. (because apparently an aluminum-foiled salmon salad sandwich ain’t so hot anymore)
Now presenting: Daily $5 Student Value Meals. Food Services have promised delicious meals, made fresh daily. These meals are available in the ILLC and Pitman Cafeterias as well as the HUB. Introducing allergy and dietary conscious menu items, such as full vegan and vegetarian options as well as Halal and Kosher meals- made with care and attention. For all you carnivores out there, don’t fret- there will still be bacon… and many meat-savvy meals to satisfy.
(The down side, taxes and drinks not included. So pack your re-usable water bottle kids.)
But I mean, cheap eats.
The future of Food Services is also looking pretty appetizing. With the initiative to introduce community meals and community cooking classes – to help us step away from those KD boxes. Follow @RUEats to join in the conversation.
Bring it on Food Services; our student bodies are ready. It’s almost Thanksgiving…are second helpings part of the deal?
