Since the grand opening celebration of The Planet North at Trent’s Athletic Complex on Saturday January 14, questions have been raised about what it will mean for Trent’s home grown, student-run food community, The Seasoned Spoon. The newest version of The Planet gave away free sandwiches, coffee, cookies, and soup at their grand opening on Saturday January 14. Arthur spoke to the Education Outreach Coordinator of The Seasoned Spoon and long time employee of The Planet, Robyn Smith.
When speaking on behalf of The Spoon, Robyn said that “we’re just really happy to see another vegetarian option on campus” and that both will serve different but complimentary niches on campus. The Planet North actually corresponds with one of the Seasoned Spoon’s goals and aims which is to promote and advocate for alternative food options. The main difference between The Spoon and The Planet is the Spoon is Trent student’s food advocacy group that does much more than serve food. The Seasoned Spoon seeks to influence University food and fair trade policy, facilitates and organizes food workshops, has a small (but growing) library of recipe and food books, works with local farmers and Trent Rooftop Gardens, provides many on-campus student jobs, hosts Trent Centre for Community Based Education projects, and is in the process of building a root cellar on campus. The next workshop will be a Beer Making Workshop at The Spoon, Wednesday Jan. 25 starting at 4:30pm, $5 or PWYC.
The Planet got the location in the AC because the previous owner did not want to renew the contract and The Planet has a “good staff willing to take it on.” They have been expanding their horizons lately with new menu items, hosting art shows and all ages’ shows and now have added this second location. Many Trent students already frequent The Planet’s Water Street location and it has been a great linkage between students and the community, so it was only natural that The Planet would go to the AC where this same linkage happens. The Planet is a good sign that Trent is still part of the Peterborough community. The AC is happy to have them there and since it is funded by community money they are technically excluded from the Aramark exclusivity contract.
Tentatively, The Planet North will be open from 7am to 8pm, depending on business and interest. They are serving sandwiches (gluten-free bread option), one soup (always vegan), and one chili. They will also be selling their legendary Potato Cheddar Bread, their Flax Bread, and fair trade, organic coffee just like The Spoon, but The Planet North has an espresso machine for delicious Americanos on campus. Robyn’s favourite sandwich there is her own creation and not exactly on the menu- the avocado and brie on Potato Cheddar Bread with salsa and hummus. (I would clarify this because staff will get super pissed if people start asking—there isn’t salsa in the a/c anyway. So if it’s easier you can just say avocado brie on p/c!)
The Seasoned Spoon is open from 8am to 3pm and serve wraps, two soups, one or two “exciting salads” with some kind of grain or protein, a main, plus gluten-free and vegan options. Since The Spoon is subsidized by its members, meals there are cheaper. Right now The Seasoned Spoon is strategic planning “to see how we can grow as a food co-op” and would like students input. You can pick up a survey at The Spoon and return it for a free coffee or tea. They will also be hosting some panels to see where students want their food community to go.
So whether it’s at The Seasoned Spoon or at The Planet North, it’s nice to have some real food options on campus.
