New tools make eating well easier than ever 

The Basic Needs Hub is expanding its support services this fall with four new offerings aimed at helping students access food and resources more easily: peer assistance with SNAP benefits, fresh and free produce stands, a virtual recipe library and a cookbook featuring quick, easy and affordable meals.

Peer assistance with SNAP benefits

Many students are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) but never apply—often due to confusion about the process or uncertainty about whether they qualify. The Hub’s new peer assistance program connects students with trained peers who offer one-on-one support to guide others through the application. Whether students are unsure where to start or have hit a roadblock mid-way, these peers are here to help.

Before scheduling an appointment, students can check to see if they qualify for SNAP assistance using this screener. Students interested in using help to support their application or have questions about SNAP in general should schedule an appointment with the Hub.

Fresh produce pop-up stand

The Hub, in partnership with Aramark, is working with Hungry Harvest to bring fresh, free produce to campus. TU community members are welcome to bring a bag and stop by the Hub at 12:30 p.m. All produce is free. Community members just need to sign in with their TU ID to participate. This is a great opportunity to access healthy, fresh food and support your well-being while on campus. Find dates of the pop-ups in the sidebar to the right.

Virtual recipe library

Eating well on a tight budget can be tough, but the Hub’s new, virtual recipe library makes it easier. By visiting the FoodShare Recipes & Demonstrations webpage, students will learn affordable, quick-prep recipes. It’s designed with students in mind—whether they are learning to cook, managing a busy schedule or just looking for new ideas, these videos are meant to make cooking feel easier, more affordable and more enjoyable.

Additionally, each recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients, includes step-by-step video demonstrations and recipe cards to print or save for future use.

College-friendly cookbook

The Hub also released a free cookbook packed with student-tested, budget-friendly recipes. The cookbook includes tips for grocery shopping, meal planning and budgeting, and recipes for dorm- and apartment-friendly meals.

Developed by previous public health interns for the Hub, Jennifer Johnson ’25 and Akua Obeng ’25, the cookbook is practical and offers many tips and tricks to eat well on a budget. All the recipes have ingredients that can be found in the Hub.

“Making a resource that remains at your fingertips means you’re more likely to access it—because, as I know from experience, most of us have our cellphones on us all the time,” says Johnson. “Having such an accessible resource ensures that students who utilize the Hub not only have access to food resources but also gain the practical knowledge and skills to create a more balanced meal.”