More than just fresh food that fits your dietary needs

By: Vanessa

Before, I was focused on my studies and never thought too much about the coffee I drank or the quick meals I had on campus. I didn’t think too deeply about what was available to me until after the worst of the pandemic when food places shut down. However, the completed construction of the new C-wing meant new food spots to try. Now, I look forward to events like “Soup It Up!” where free soup is served on campus (especially in the cold months), and the featured drinks at the coffee spots, like the Mango Black Iced Tea! As a Sheridan student who also works at the SSU, I’ve learned a lot about the SSU food spots on all the campuses and want to share a few things you may not know, but should:

1. SSU food spots employ students!

Whenever I get food on campus, it’s nice to interact with other students at the food spots I go to (not all food places on campus employ students but SSU food spots do!). I try my best to support them, especially when they’re training. Whether they’re cooking the food or helping me cash out, I make sure to be patient and appreciate their hard work. Since I know what it’s like to balance work, school, and everything else in life, I feel some solidarity when I see my fellow students working. It’s good to know that when I do spend money on campus, it’ll go towards supporting other students like myself.

2. There are Halal Options on Campus!

1. Even as a vegetarian, I recognize that the inclusion of Halal options is important, so it’s great to see that they’re available on the SSU menus for other students to order. I asked the SSU kitchen staff and learned that they’ve got Halal options for the following: 

   • Beef (hamburgers) 

   • Crispy/grilled chicken 

   • Chicken fingers & chicken wings

3. SSU food menus have Gluten-Free, Vegan, & Vegetarian Options Too!

Those who have dietary restrictions know how frustrating it can be to scan through a menu and see that there isn’t much you can eat. Whether you choose to eat a gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian diet, you should check out an SSU food spot when you get lunch, like the Den and the Station Kitchen. Fun fact: Some of the current menu items were created by past part-time staff members. 

For gluten-free friends, there are gluten-free breakfast and lunch wraps available, and you can even get gluten-free bread for your sandwiches!

For vegans, there are a bunch of options that aren’t just fries and water, like:  

• Aloo tikki wrap

• Falafel hummus wrap 

• Aloo tikki chaat (no yogurt)  

• Samosa chaat (no yogurt)

• Cauliflower wings 

*Disclaimer: If you have specific dietary needs, allergies or religious considerations, please advise our staff BEFORE placing your order. While the SSU takes necessary precautions in our kitchens, some food may come into contact with other ingredients.

4. The Coffee is Locally Sourced and Fair Trade!  

The SSU’s coffee spots, like the Bruin Coffee House and Station Express, use coffee from Spirit Bear Coffee Company, a First Nations business.  
 
Its mission is to deliver an exceptional coffee experience to its customers. Not only are they organic and fair trade, but they also provide First Nations communities and organizations with economic assistance through fundraising programs, donations, and partnerships. 
 
I never thought I’d be that person, but now that I know that I can brag about drinking fair trade coffee every morning, I might just become that person.

5. Chai is made in-house! 

We love a good cup of chai. The chai served at the SSU food spots is made in-house, fresh every day by staff. They use a family recipe that’s been slightly tweaked by a former staff member. 

Maybe you’re a student just trying to get through the last stretch of your program and couldn’t care less about what you eat on campus. As long as something is available, you’ll spend a few dollars here and there. However, I think you should consider that the human effort behind the creation of menus that have a variety of cultural recipes and flavours, that also concern itself with different dietary needs, is more than the bare minimum you’d find at a typical college cafeteria. And, since some menu items were created by past part-time staff members and have stayed after they’ve gone, it all comes down to being part of a community. Buying a locally sourced coffee, served by a fellow student, and grabbing a bite that’s guaranteed to be vegetarian—it all just comes together nicely, don’t you think? 

Feeling Hungry?

Whether you’re craving sweet, savoury, spicy, or fresh, SSU’s food spots have it all! If you’re looking for new recipe inspiration and food-related hacks, check out these blogs to fill your appetite!