The St. Thomas Student Union is now offering students a chance to receive up to 30 pounds of produce for $15.
Student Union President, Megan Thomson, and fellow Vice-President of Student Life, Brianna Matchett, said they were inspired to give the program a try after seeing its successes at UNB.
“We realized it was a service that STU students could utilize,” said Thomson.
Matchett said it is a way for students to “get some of their grocery shopping done on campus,” cutting out the hassles of public transit, and Fredericton’s many hills.
Matchett stressed the special relevancy of the program for off-campus students who don’t have constant access to the cafeteria.
“Three quarters of students live off campus,” said Matchett. “It makes sense to provide a grocery program that already exists and is helping others in the community.”
Thomson and Matchett said the program is accessible to students in residences who may have less access to cooking facilities.
They say much of the produce can be used for snacks throughout the day, as well as for meals. Students can also split the cost of a bag amongst themselves to further save money, and then divide up produce so it’s not as difficult to store.
Thomson and Matchett are optimistic about the program’s future.
Thomson hopes it becomes, “commonplace to eat five to 10 pieces of fruit a day.”
“I want it to be popular to have healthier food and to have the opportunity do that,” said Matchett
Students can register for the program at the help desk in James Dunn Hall. First-time registrants need to fill out a form with basic contact information, and pay the $15 fee the first Thursday of every month.
Membership fees, usually $10, are covered by the student union. Members then collect their produce at the help desk a week later. The produce comes in a reusable bag, and this should be kept for future orders to avoid paying an extra $1. Each bag also comes with free recommended recipes and storing methods.
