Shopping and eating more sustainably as a student

This article was written by second-year student Ameni.

I highly recommend you take some time to read this blog as I guarantee it will save you so much money, time, stress and health problems. 

During my first year of university I was admitted into hospital five times and once for an operation. Towards the end of my first year my doctor told me that I was pre-diabetic. That was my wake-up call: something had to change, starting with my diet and where I was buying my food. 

Hi, I’m Ameni. I’m in the second year of university. In this blog I’ll share the advice I wish someone had given me in my first year about eating well, food shopping on a budget, and making sustainable choices. 

Discovering local gems in Falmouth and Penryn 

Falmouth and Penryn are home to amazing, affordable, and sustainable food options. Here are some of my favourite spots: 

• Bailey's Country Store (just past the quay in Penryn): They offer fresh, locally grown produce daily and have an in-house kitchen that bakes delicious cakes, soups, and sausage rolls using GMO and pesticide-free ingredients. Beyond food, they sell pet supplies, fuels, gardening tools, and bedding. 
• Pip's Shop (in Penryn town): A small business offering tasty pasties that are cheaper than Rowe’s but just as delicious. 
• The un_rap Shop (in Falmouth): A brilliant initiative promoting zero waste! They source local produce like fresh vegetables and organic eggs, and you bring your own containers to fill with items like rice, pasta, and cereal.  
• The Nature Store: Offers vegetarian and vegan packaging-free food options, as well as sustainable beauty products. 
• The ReFill Store: Another great spot for reducing plastic waste while shopping for your essentials. 
• The Food Barn Tregew: My favourite food market! Every Saturday morning, over 20 stalls come together to sell locally sourced produce with an amazing view of Falmouth Bay. 
• Seabourne Fish Shop (in Penryn): A fantastic place to buy fresh, sustainably caught local fish. 

Smarter shopping = healthier living 

In my first year, I did all my food shopping at ASDA, which was expensive and unsustainable for my budget. Switching to Lidl cut my food bills by 50%! That extra money allowed me to treat myself occasionally. 

Another lifesaver? Meal prepping. Choose a specific day each week to do your shopping and prepare your meals. This simple habit will save you so much time and stress during busy weeks. 

When I didn’t plan ahead, I defaulted to junk food and packaged, processed meals, which contributed to my pre-diabetic condition. Meal prepping not only saves money but also encourages healthier eating. 

Your health and the planet matter 

As students, we juggle so much that it’s easy to neglect our health and the environment. But trust me, making small changes can have a huge impact. By shopping smarter, supporting local businesses, and reducing waste, you can take care of both yourself and the planet. 

I hope these tips inspire you to make more sustainable and healthy choices.