Kitchen FAQ

Information for guests, future students, and current students. 

General Information

What are Grebel meal time hours?

Fall and Winter Term

Monday through Friday:

Cold breakfast 7:30am - 10:00am
Hot breakfast 7:30am - 9:00am
Lunch 11:30am -1:40pm
Supper 5:00pm-6:30pm
(Wed. supper is served 5:30pm - 6:30pm and is a private event for the Grebel community)

Weekends and holidays: 
Cold breakfast 8:00am - 11:00am
Brunch 12:00pm -1:30pm
Supper 5:00pm - 6:00pm 

Spring Term

Monday through Friday: 
Cold breakfast 7:30am - 10:00am
Hot breakfast 7:30am - 9:00am
Lunch 11:30am -1:40pm
Supper 5:00pm - 6:00pm

(Wed. supper is served 5:30pm - 6:30pm and is a private event for the Grebel community)

Weekends and holidays:

Cold breakfast 8:00am - 11:00am
Brunch 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Supper 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Who are the folks behind the aprons?

We would love for you to get to know our wonderful Food Services staff. Take a look at the ‘Meet the Team’ page, and get ready to strike up a conversation next time you are coming through the servery line. 

How does Grebel’s kitchen approach sustainability?

The Food Service department continues to reduce waste and pursues local buying practices that promote sustainability.

Our cafeteria style servery is self-service, enabling guests to take only what they wish. This style of service is effective in reducing food waste. Packaged grab-and-go items are limited, with an aim to prepare/purchase these items with compostable or recyclable materials. Where possible, bulk condiments are used instead of packaged individual portions. 

In an effort to reduce landfill waste, waste is divided according to its material into recycling, compost and garbage. During food preparation, the kitchen composts all inedible vegetable and fruit components. The kitchen recycles all glass, metal, and cardboard packaging. Students and staff sort items into these bins following a meal. 

The kitchen supports energy-reduction through the use of an exhaust system that operates based on usage. The kitchen’s green roof saves energy and improves air quality. 

Meatless meals are featured regularly and plant-based options are offered daily. 

In an effort to reduce transportation emissions and support the local economy, Food Services purchases fresh Ontario produce as it is available, from a local company that champions local food. Additionally, some meat products are purchased from a local Waterloo butcher. 

Food Services is always looking for ways to improve sustainability practices and welcomes input from the Grebel community and beyond. 

How does Grebel accommodate dietary restrictions?

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

While we take measures to accommodate dietary needs, it is first and foremost the responsibility of each student and guest with an allergy or intolerance to inquire about ingredients each time they dine in the cafeteria.  

Can anyone come and eat a Grebel meal?

The public is welcome to purchase food and eat in the Grebel dining room. Learn more about dining at Grebel.

Accepted payment methods are debit and credit.

Future Students

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! 

Current Students

What is "My Most Marvelous Meal?" (MMMM)

My Most Marvelous Meal, is your opportunity to submit a favourite recipe or something you would like the kitchen to try making. The kitchen loves trying new recipes and would be excited to hear from you. 

Send an email to the kitchen and the student food representative.

How do I give feedback to the kitchen?

The kitchen wants to receive your feedback - the good and the bad. How else are they going to know what you like, and how they can make your meals even better?! 

You have a few options for giving feedback:

  1. Go and speak to Gabby or Peter M. directly. Not sure who they are? Check out the Meet the team page (hyperlink).
  2. Fill out the ‘food feedback form’ with your comments. This form is not anonymous because we value the opportunity to follow-up with you. 
  3. Talk to the elected food rep. The food rep will liaison your comments to the kitchen staff. Not sure who the food rep is? You can pop into Student Services to ask.
  4. Our favourite way of receiving feedback is through our Yum Yuk List, posted in the dish room where students return dishes. Feel free to leave a respectful comment about any meal you try.

Where can I find dining room and kitchen guidelines?

You can find these in your residence handbook, received on Move-In Day! If you have any questions about it, connect with Student Services: grebelstudentservices@uwaterloo.ca