MacEwan University hosts $5 cooking classes as low-budget option for students
MacEwan University students learned to make low-cost meals during a $5 cooking class
Students wait for the class to begin. Photo credit: Zaneb Alzubaidi
Takam Market, Building 9, MacEwan University
MacEwan University students learned to make low-cost meals during a $5 cooking class at a time when many are concerned about the price of groceries.
About 16 students listened to Filistix owner and chef Ariel Del Rosario, as he directed them on how to make pico de gallo, corn and black bean salad, and taco grande in the class. Each recipe was made out of low-cost ingredients including tomatoes, corn, black beans, green onions, etc.
Natasha Pedersson, the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator and the organizer, says the event was focused on student affordability and accessibility. “Knowing that students already have busy days, they’re often going to full classes, you know, doing their homework, doing their assignments.”
Food insecurity is a common problem for university students. According to a 2023 Meal Exchange study, nearly half of post-secondary students reported skipping meals to afford rent and tuition.
“We didn’t want students to have to worry about what they would do for their next affordable, nutritious, quick and easy meal,” Pedersson said to Edmonton Edge.
“I wanted to check out what this whole thing was about,” said Israel Elihu Reyes-Pineda, a student who attended. “Seeing that it was a budget-friendly meal, I thought that we could try it out, see if the recipes are good and if it’s worth making at home.”
Another student, Jean Pierre Moreno, said he came to the event because he wants to try new things on campus. “I think these events are super beneficial, because not only is it cheap, but it was a great learning experience.”
“I hope they host more events like this.”
