Free breakfast events by SCSU fuel up students and foster community at UTSC
The first Coffee House event of winter semester took place on Jan. 28 from 10 a.m to 12 p.m. featuring a generous assortment of eggs, vegan sausages, halal turkey bacon, waffles and a wide selection of fresh breads.
The Coffee House events have recorded zero food waste since the start of this academic year. All the food was successfully served and eaten by students. (Illustration credits: SCSU Instagram)
As the smell of freshly cooked waffles fills the air, University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) students gather to enjoy a delicious start to the day. Coffee House hosts free breakfast once a month at 1265 Bistro in the Student Centre on campus. The Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU) 2023-2024 team launched these events and it has since flourished over the years.
The first Coffee House event of winter semester took place on Jan. 28 from 10 a.m to 12 p.m. featuring a generous assortment of eggs, vegan sausages, halal turkey bacon, waffles and a wide selection of fresh breads spread across tables, ready to be served to students. The food lured in a big crowd with many people coming back for seconds.
The inner workings of the Coffee House
In an interview with Vice President of Operations at SCSU, Athisayaa Prabagar noted that The Coffee House events are funded by the SCSU’s approved annual campaign budget, with a monthly allocation of $4,000. Overall costs are determined by attendance, food pricing, and the specific menu for that month’s event.
The food quantities are decided with the help of real-time registration. Before students eat, they can scan a QR code and sign in. This helps track attendance and help in the organization of upcoming Coffee Houses.
Prabagar runs the Coffee House events and says that bringing the events to life is a team effort that requires the whole executive team and several full-time staff. SCSU also partners with 1265 Bistro who prepare and provide the meals served at the events.
A display of the assorted food items served at the Coffee House (Photo Credits: SCSU)
Sustainability solutions at Coffee House
The Coffee House events have recorded zero food waste since the start of this academic year. All the food was successfully served and eaten by students. The only leftovers available at most events are tea bags that are used for the next breakfast. The SCSU team portions food steadily while monitoring the line throughout the event. They also adjust how food is served based on student turnout.
“At our last Coffee House, the VP Academics and University Affairs (AUA) and I went around offering the remaining waffles and halal turkey bacon, and everything was gone by the time we made our way through the entire Bistro,” said Prabagar. Once students in line have all been served, the SCSU team allows the crowd to get seconds.
Additionally, sustainability is promoted by using eco-friendly plates, cups, and utensils for the meals. Students are also welcome to bring their own reusable containers. Using less materials is an ongoing goal. Reusable food warmers and utensils from the bistro are used to reach that goal.
“These small steps will help the event become more sustainable while continuing to create a welcoming, student and community centred experience,” Prabagar said. .
Prabagar explained that the team holds weekly events and meetings to research and brainstorm ideas that will improve the Coffee House’s approaches. One of the initiatives they are exploring is receiving student feedback regarding what they want to see in upcoming Coffee House events.
What are the student benefits?
Coffee House menu from Fall semester. Students can choose between vegan sausages or halal turkey bacon among other fresh food items (Photo credits: Vyusti Shroff // The Underground)
A yummy variety of breakfast foods with a side of friendly conversations is not only a great way to fuel up for a long day at school, but an opportunity to connect as a community.
“It’s more than just a meal, it is a place where students pause for a moment, connect with each other, and feel part of the campus community,” said Prabagar. The Coffee House is an environment that creates a sense of belonging where students can take care of themselves physically and mentally, before or after their classes.
The original objective of the Coffee House was to support students with nutritious meals and fight food insecurity. Food insecurity is a growing crisis that many students struggle with while completing their studies. One in four (24.9%) households in Toronto are affected by food insecurity. 23% of people attending food banks have a post-secondary education. Therefore, students are extremely at risk.
“While we have our incredible food centre, which provides free groceries to students twice a week, we also wanted to offer another way of support,” Prabagar shared. “Coffee Houses may not eliminate food insecurity entirely, but it’s another meaningful way we ensure students have access to free breakfast and a welcoming environment.”
