Fighting Food Insecurity Over the Summer: What’s Still Available at Queen's?

Summer at Queen’s can feel a bit... quiet. Most students head home, some services reduce hours, and campus life slows down. But if you’re staying in Kingston, whether for work, classes, or just a breather, one thing doesn’t take a summer break: the need for access to food.

Food insecurity doesn’t disappear when the semester ends. And with fewer student supports running at full capacity, it can sometimes feel even harder to stay fed and financially stable in the summer.

Luckily, there are still several campus and community resources available to support students during this time. Here’s what’s still running and what’s helped me personally as someone working on food programming this summer. 

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Fresh Food Boxes 

If you haven’t tried one yet, summer is the perfect time. Alternating between easy, healthy and student-approved recipes, our Fresh Food Box contains all the fresh produce and ingredients you need to prepare a meal for 4, coming in at approximately $1.25 a serving!

It’s affordable, easy to pick up, and makes healthy eating way more accessible, even if you’re just cooking for one. 

Tip: Living on your own? Use your Fresh Food Box to meal prep for the week and save yourself time, money and energy.

Mason Jar Meals 

One of my favorite parts of working with Student Wellness Services has been helping prepare Mason Jar Meals: our FREE balanced, one-pot meals full of flavour and nutrition.

Just register for one online, and get all the main ingredients and spices you need to prepare a filling meal, conveniently layered in one easy-to-grab mason jar.

PEACH Market

If you’re looking for fresh food that’s pay-what-you-can, check out the PEACH Market in the new Medical Building on Arch Street, open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 11am-2pm.

Offering fresh, rescued produce and other food at no fixed price, you pay what you can, if you can, no questions asked. It’s low-barrier, student-focused, and designed to reduce both food waste and food insecurity!

Lionhearts Fresh Food Market

If you’ve seen a pop-up with fresh produce in Kingston at a discounted price, that’s likely Lionhearts. Their Fresh Food Market is a no-registration-needed option that keeps your belly full without emptying your pockets.

Pro Tip: Bring your own reusable bag if you can!

See the summer pop-up schedule here: Lionhearts Fresh Food Market 

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Food insecurity is real and it doesn’t go away just because it’s summer. If you're struggling, you're not alone. Whether you’re short on groceries, working multiple jobs, or just trying to stretch your budget, know that there are supports here for you; no shame, no judgment. And if you’re someone who wants to help, the first step is spreading awareness. Tell your friends, share resources, and be open about how common this is. 

The idea is simple: everyone deserves access to good food. No exceptions. 

Stay connected with @queensustudentwellness on Instagram for updates on Fresh Food Boxes, Mason Jar Meals, and other programming running all year long, and learn more about our Student Led events.