The new student market, located in the Hub, offers students easy access to fresh pastries and snacks between classes
In an interview, Jovan Popovic, the MSU president shared details about the recently opened student market on the second floor of the Hub. The market offers fresh pastries, beverages and snacks, catering to students looking for a quick bite between classes or while studying and socializing with friends.
Popovic mentioned that the goal of opening the student market is to enhance food accessibility by providing more options to students at an affordable price.
“Given how much time students spend in the student centre exploring food options, we understand that adding a food and beverage operation in the Hub isn’t necessarily replacing meals . . . It’s about having something available for students when they start to feel hungry, whether it's because they’re studying, hanging out with friends or playing ping pong, there’s something there for them,” said Popovic.
It’s about having something available for students when they start to feel hungry, whether it's because they’re studying, hanging out with friends or playing ping pong, there’s something there for them.
Jovan Popovic, President
McMaster Students Union
Popovic emphasized that the student market is primarily focused on offering fresher food options, such as sandwiches, salads and bagels instead of simple snacks. He also noted that the market is exploring the inclusion of culturally diverse food options to better reflect and cater to the needs of the student body.
In 2017, the construction of the Hub was approved by full-time undergraduate students through a referendum. It was built to address the lack of student and collaboration spaces on campus due to a growing population. A survey conducted by the MSU in 2016 found that approximately 80 per cent of respondents indicated a desire for more space on campus to work on projects, eat and socialize with friends.
Additionally, Popovic mentioned that through the referendum and student consultations, there was a clear demand for expanded food and beverage operations, as well as more affordable food options on campus.
With the opening of the student market, Popovic mentioned that they are currently focusing on student feedback.
“What are they saying to our cashier? What is interesting to them? What are students actually looking for? Even within Union Market and the student centre, there are times where a student will come up and say "I was really hoping you’d have this product," and then two weeks later we now stock it. We’re really sensitive to student feedback and are always trying to hear more and see how we can improve,” said Popovic.
Popovic highlighted that, in a time where food insecurity has become a prevalent issue, the MSU has been actively addressing it by offering low-priced food and beverage options at Union Market and subsidizing TwelvEighty Bar & Grill to provide high-quality, large portion sizes.
“Hopefully, the market helps create a dent in this issue, where students feel a little more comfortable and realize they have more options on campus, without having to go to a specific place. We’re trying to address this as effectively as possible. And while it’s a much larger issue, every dent we make is significant right now,” said Popovic.
Hopefully, the market helps create a dent in this issue, where students feel a little more comfortable and realize they have more options on campus
Jovan Popovic, President
McMaster Students Union
Popovic highlighted that the inventory of the student market would be shaped by purchasing patterns. He explained that if students express a demand for meal options like those at La Piazza Grab and Go and Union Market, those could also be added.
The student market will be open Monday to Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Karen Piper
The Silhouette
Cocoa tea is a traditional breakfast beverage in St. Lucia, derived mainly from locally grown cocoa on the island. The cocoa plant grows abundantly in St. Lucia and is world-renowned for its high quality.
This hot delicacy has multiple health benefits such as reducing high blood beverage canadian pharmacy viagra generic and lowering cholesterol. Not to mention, this is the ideal treat to help keep you warm during those cold winter months!
Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla essence
3/4 cup grated cocoa
Lime peel of 1 lime
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
3/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp clove
Preparation:
Pour water, milk, vanilla essence and cocoa into a pot and bring to a boil.
Add lime peel, cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg and clove into the mixture and let it boil for 15 minutes.
Allow the beverage to cool for five minutes before serving.
Strain thoroughly and enjoy!