An upcoming initiative will provide the Brock community with an affordable way to access fresh produce.

Taking place on the second floor of Mackenzie Chown A Block near the entrance to the Goodman School of Business, the Food First Fresh Produce Market will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26.

Hosted by the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU), the Brock University Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) and Student Life and Success in partnership with United Way Niagara, the event invites anyone from the Brock community to fill a basket of fresh produce at a pay-what-you-can rate.

There will be a limit of one basket per person and only credit or debit payments will be accepted.

The Food First Fresh Produce Market is part of the Food First program first introduced in 2016 by BUSU to address growing issues of food and health insecurities among Canadian post-secondary students.

The program gives grocery gift cards to students as well as fresh food options throughout the academic year, including hot and quick-serve breakfast initiatives.

BUSU Vice-President, University Affairs Carleigh Charlton said the rising cost of food has made the program more important than ever.

“Students are already facing the cost-of-living crisis that many Canadians are worrying about, but with the added financial burdens that often accompany post-secondary study, this leaves some undergraduate students wondering how they are going to afford their next meal,” she said “It is our hope to help relieve this stress for as many students as possible, ensure they are starting their day right, and help students thrive and focus on their academics.”

To learn more about the Food First program and the Food First Fresh Produce Market, visit BUSU’s Food First website.