Regenesis refreshes UTM’s food scene
Regenesis aims to address the UTM students' desire for healthy and affordable food options

The Regenesis Flow

Healthy food options are few and far between at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). The available healthy options are unaffordable, often discouraging students from choosing healthy options and promoting unhealthier alternatives. 

Regenesis is a student-led non-profit organization that sells affordable, healthy food to the university community. Director of Regenesis UTM, Christina Casciaro, recently shed light on how her organization is working to address the food crisis on campus, and some of the setbacks they have faced along the way.

“Everything’s sourced from a company called FoodShare—a non-profit organization based in Toronto.” Casciaro went on to explain that the food is bought in bulk from FoodShare, who then distribute it to food organizations that have agreed to sell the food for the same price it was bought at. 

“Food on campus is really expensive, it’s unaffordable, it’s not really healthy food, and a lot of the time it’s not really good food either,” said Casciaro, reiterating her commitment to healthy and affordable options for students. “An apple at Davis can be like double, triple the price of what we’re selling it for.”  

What UTM students have to say

UTM students and athletes are in desperate need of healthy food options at UTM. Kirk Gibson, philosophy student and U of T varsity baseball player, made his thoughts clear on the current food options available at UTM. 

“I think for what we get, it’s pretty expensive, especially the yogurt parfaits. I like those because they’re fast-acting carbs—I normally get them for a workout—but they’re tiny, so I finish them within a minute. I got a sandwich a few days ago, and the amount of meat it came with was very little, considering the price.” 

Gibson also explained that the high costs and small portion sizes are deterring people from enjoying the healthy food that is on campus. “I didn’t eat on campus today, and I’ve been here since 9 am [5 hours] mainly because the portion sizes just aren’t worth the price.” This is an especially issue for student-athletes like Gibson as food is a major factor in his performance on the field. “If you don’t eat properly before training, you don’t have the energy to perform.”

Aryan Mahajan, a fourth-year student in DEM, also expressed his opinion on the limited healthy food options at UTM. “I always bring my own lunch. It’s not worth eating the junk from Tim Hortons, Harveys or Pizza Pizza.” Mahajan also agreed with Gibson that the cold-cut sandwiches are not good value for money. 

The demand for healthy food is there for all to see. Regenesis has teamed up with the UTM Student Union (UTMSU) to help supply that demand. 

Partnership with UTMSU

Casciaro was also asked if Regenesis had faced any difficulties or pushback from the university. “We’ve never experienced that from the university. Because we are tabling outside of the UTMSU legally, UTMSU can do whatever it wants in terms of food. That’s why when you go to events at UTMSU, they can have different food and things and different variety.” 

But if you have any other event on campus in any other building, you have to go through their hospitality and catering. Christina was also quick to mention that Regenesis is grateful to the UTMSU for providing table space to sell their food outside the building. 

Casciaro thanked UTMSU for their support towards Regenesis’ efforts, but the same cannot be said for UTM as a whole. “We wanted to do this in Davis, and we were kind of refused,” admitted Casciaro. Under university regulations, Regensis was restricted from selling fresh produce in certain buildings. 

Hopes to Expand

When asked about growth possibilities, Casciaro emphasized her willingness to expand  Regenesis’s presence to everyone at UTM. “Having a space on campus where we can provide that service would be so cool, so amazing, and so beneficial to everyone on campus, including staff and faculty, to have something where they can buy affordable produce that’s accessible and high quality.

If you want to revitalize your diet this school season, check out the Regenesis food stand outside the Student Centre on Thursdays from 12-5 pm. To learn more and get involved with Regenesis, visit their website or Instagram.