Navigating through the limited food options on and around campus in the hopes of finding something nutritious and budget-friendly can be tough. Here are some tips to make your search a little easier.
Students spend a significant portion of their day on campus running between classes, studying in the library, or just hanging out with friends. Consequently, it can be difficult to find food options that leave one feeling healthy, energetic and satiated. While there is plenty of pizza across the road on Rue Sherbrooke, and sandwiches at Premier Moisson, Subway, La Prep, and Vinh’s, these carbohydrate-heavy (albeit delicious) options may leave the body craving something more nutritious to stay running longer and healthier.
Organic Campus
Conveniently located on the first floor of the Students’ Society of McGill (SSMU) Building, the Organic Campus booth has the perfect fix for a quick bite that will help sustain one through grueling, information-packed lectures. Open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., one can find injera—an Ethiopian staple—consisting of lentils, potatoes, dried tomatoes, dried peppers, herbs, and sea salt wrapped in a fermented flat bread. It is vegan, organic, and the ingredients are sourced from a local Quebec farm. The wrap is high in protein and only costs $2, which means students and their wallets will be full for longer.
Midnight Kitchen
Midnight Kitchen is a service that prepares and serves hot vegan lunches every day on the third (sometimes fourth) floor of the SSMU Building. Since student fees finance the service, Midnight Kitchen is available to all students at no additional cost, but donations are welcome. The service is run with sustainability in mind, so it is essential to bring Tupperware and cutlery from home to partake in this amazing lunch. The meal usually consists of a hot soup or stew, a starch, salad, and dessert, which are always nourishing, filling and tasty. Service begins at 12:30 p.m. and continues until 1 p.m., but the line gets long quickly so students should arrive early. It’s a great place not only to grab lunch, but also catch up on readings while waiting, or chatting with friends in line.
The Nest
On the second floor of SSMU, The Nest is a great option for grabbing a healthy lunch on campus. The student-run café’s menu has been revamped since last year, and now includes a greater variety to satisfy the hungry student. There are still sandwiches and burritos, but there are also salads, steamed veggies, and healthy stir-fries if you’re looking for something on the lighter side. For $5.75, a great option to keep full for the afternoon is the baked potato with veggie chili that comes with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese and chives. The Nest is a great way to support student-run initiatives while taking care of your body at the same time.
Freshii
For students who have time to venture just outside of campus, Freshii, located just south of Parc and Milton, has an extensive menu with many healthy options. There is a set menu of rice and quinoa bowls, salads, and wraps, or students can customize each of these and select their favourite toppings. Everything on the menu ranges from $7 to $10 and the serving sizes are generous. To get the most health value, choose the dressing carefully and opt for balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or teriyaki.
