Fresh and Balanced

Fresh & Balanced Eating

At UW Food Services, we are committed to offering and encouraging options that align with the Canada Food Guide through our Fresh and Balanced program. By supporting the Food Guide-Friendly initiative, UW Food Services continues to take action to improve the food environment through the availability and promotion of foods and eating behaviours aligned with Canada’s food guide.

We encourage every guest to try our delicious and nutritious choices! Make it a Fresh and Balanced option by: 

  1. Building a plate that includes vegetables and fruit, whole grains, and protein foods

  2. Choosing a variety of foods every day 

  3. Making water your drink of choice

Balanced plate shown with eggs, bread, vegetables, and fruit.
Students eating together in the cafeteria

The Importance of Eating Together

We encourage guests to choose a reusable plate or eco-container and take the time to sit down and to have a meal with a friend in the seating area! It’s a great way to connect, add enjoyment to your meal and spend quality time with others.  Learn more about Eating Together on Canada’s Food Guide!

Rethink Your Drink

Drinking water is important for health, and a great way to stay hydrated without added sugars. You can find water refill stations across campus and in dining halls. Our water is safe, filtered and FREE!  

Other unsweetened beverage choices include: 

  • Carbonated or sparkling water 

  • Plain milk and milk alternatives 

  • Unsweetened coffee, tea or herbal tea 

Fresh and Balanced Label shown as example

Fresh and Balanced Snacks

We recognize the need for on-the-go options for our guests and offer Fresh & Balanced snacks across our eateries!

Our Fresh and Balanced Snacks are convenient options that meet one or more of the following key guidelines: 

  • Primarily consist of vegetables, fruits, whole grains or protein foods 

  • Limit sugar substitutes

Some of our favourite Fresh and Balanced Snacks include:

  • Local Martin’s Apple Chips & Applesauces​ 

  • Local Farm to Table Popcorn​

  • Fresh whole fruits and fruit and vegetable snack cups

  • Cheese packs

  • Lars Bars and Made Good Granola Bars​