Meal plan & Food services

someone holds a plate with beautiful food over a buffet

All residents living at Grebel benefit from the all-you-can-eat meal plan with freshly prepared meals, crafted with care by a team who is passionate about food. Carefully planned, with lots of healthy and delectable choices, each week.

Student Input

We care what you think. That’s why Grebel’s Student Council appoints a representative to act as a liaison between students and the Food Services team.    

My Most Marvellous Meal

Craving something from home? The kitchen staff are always excited to try new recipes and would love to hear about your favourites.

Dietary Accommodations

Vegetarian, halal, gluten free, or vegan, we have accommodated them all and more. Have a specific dietary restriction? Let’s be in conversation so we can work to meet your needs! grebel.foodservices@uwaterloo.ca.

All-you-can-eat

Never go hungry! Student life is stressful enough without having to worry about running out of money or topping up your meal plan. Simply eat your fill at every meal. Hot and cold beverages to take away to class are included.

No cards, no cash, no fuss

Once you have paid your residence fees you won’t need to open your wallet again to eat in the Grebel cafeteria.

After Hours

Late Supper, lunch to go - you never need to miss a meal at Grebel. Sign up for a late supper if you have a class or lab that falls during supper time and eat your meal when it’s more convenient. Pack a nutritious lunch to bring with you if you have a class conflict during lunch hours.

Snack Night

Every Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday night students gather in the dining room for a late-night snack and good conversation

Afternoon Snacks

From 2-4 pm, residents have access to the serving line to enjoy a variety of snacks including cereal, breads and spreads, fresh fruit, yogurt, and beverages.

Special Events

  • Weekly Community Supper
    At this one-hour weekly Wednesday supper, students, staff, and faculty come together to share a meal and enjoy a guest speaker.
  • End-of-term Banquet
    This is the time to unwind and celebrate your accomplishments before exams! You can expect heavenly food, lighthearted entertainment, and excellent company followed by a talent show and dance.

Have more questions about Grebel food? Check out the Food Services FAQ page. 

If you are a future student with questions, contact Gemma, Student Life and Recruitment Coordinator.

What is an all-inclusive meal plan?

An all-inclusive meal plan means that your meal plan is included in your residence fees. There is no declining balance for you to keep an eye on, and you will always be greeted by familiar faces in the dining hall.

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Can I use my watcard to buy food on main campus? 

Your watcard will not be necessary at Grebel. You will just walk in, take your fill, and eat with friends! But, you may choose to put some money on your watcard which can be used at different vendors around campus.

What does a typical week of Grebel food look like?

Take a look at the Grebel menu to get a glimpse. Checking the menu is a favourite pastime for current Grebel residents.

What if I don’t like what is on the menu?

While there are specific entrees, no two trays of food come out looking the same. There are many ways to modify and customize Grebel meals to your liking. There is also the option of eating out or ordering in. 

Fun Fact: Grebel’s residence prices are set with the estimate that you will eat 70% of your meals here. If you eat more than that, you’re getting a bargain! So no need to worry about skipping a meal from time to time. (We don’t think you will want to though!)

What if Grebel’s set meal times don’t work for me?

Grebel’s meal times are set to work around the typical class schedule. However, if you are not able to make it for the meal hours, you are able to pack a lunch to take with you at breakfast time, or sign up for late supper. 

What if I get hungry after mealtime hours? 

You have options!

  1. There are open kitchen times, where you can come in for a snack.
  2. Snack nights happen 4 evenings a week
  3. The Grebel Kitchenette is a space where you can prepare your own snacks at whatever hour! 

Can I have input on what the kitchen makes?

Yes you can! The kitchen staff are very receptive to student feedback and love opportunities to serve you better. They will even be happy to make a recipe that you submit! You can also talk to the elected student ‘Food Rep’ who serves as a liaison of information between students and the kitchen. Open Communication is part of what makes Grebel food as good as it is! 

Can I cook for myself?

While you live in residence, the Grebel meal plan is mandatory, so, while you focus on your studies and transition to university, you won’t need to cook for yourself. However, if you have a real hankering to cook, here are a few ways you can:

1) Talk to the kitchen, and see if you can help them prepare a meal. This is something that has been done in the past and the whole community loves it! 

2) Use the Kitchenette, there are a number of small appliances that can be used creatively for your cooking and baking needs! 

3) Make friends with apartment dwellers. The apartment complex, where friendly upper-year Grebel students live, is a great place to make a meal. They might ask for a sample though.

What is the Grebel Kitchenette 

The Grebel Kitchenette is a room just off of Grebel’s dining room that has small appliance items such as a toaster oven, induction cooktop, kettle, microwave, blender, and more. This space is available to all who come to Grebel, so it's important that everyone works together to keep the space tidy.

What is Community Supper?

On Wednesdays from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm we all join together to share a meal.  Community supper is a very important part of community life and we ask that all of our residents attend.

At community supper there is fresh homemade bread, and a delicious buffet meal. Student announcements make us aware of all of the Grebel events coming up and guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds prepare a talk to encourage, challenge, and inspire current Grebelites. Our community supper guest speakers come from all walks of life, and include activists, business owners, professors, musicians, politicians - the list goes on!

Grace can give you a better sense of what community supper is!

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What is the 'fill the table' tradition?

Filling the table is a unique part of Grebel culture. It’s when you sit at an open spot at a table before you start another. What does that mean for you? You will always have a seat, you’ll quickly get to know people, and you’ll have the chance to engage in meaningful, fun conversation!