Dining Services is working to make nutritional information more available to students by posting nutritional facts on its website. Student Life reported earlier this year that Dining Services was behind in posting nutritional information, and that information available was, in certain instances, incorrect.

With my absence over Thanksgiving, I now have 178.15 extra meal points. I am not the only one over the recommended level, nor do I have the largest surplus. With the bounty, I can buy myself cookies with my Subway sandwich, a large coffee instead of a small, or I could have those extra points as real money in my pocket.

In an attempt to provide students with fresh produce year-round, Dining Services has spearheaded a program called Guaranteed Cash, Guaranteed Crop, where Washington University pays nearby farmers upfront for their crops. Resident District Manager of Bon Apétit Nadeem Siddiqui is currently working with 25 farms within a 150-mile radius of St. Louis.

Last month, Student Life published an article by Kelly Seranko, who informed us that the online nutrition information for numerous campus menu items is either misleading or simply absent.

Students are having difficulty finding nutritional information for many food items on campus. Although Dining Services posts nutritional information, including calorie and fat counts online, it is not comprehensive and is sometimes misleading. The information is missing for many items.

Student Union is looking into getting the Bear Bucks program accepted at more venues after its successful debut this fall by the University. Students could use Bear Bucks, which were previously called Campus Card points, on campus at dining facilities, the bookstore, Bear Necessities and more.

The year started with the University’s largest-ever incoming class and the further transformation of the South 40.

The Village Dining area will be undergoing substantial changes to reflect an increase in the number of students eating there. The Millbrook market will be expanded to include a salad bar similar to the one on the South 40, and will also sell soups, sandwiches and coffee, and an outdoor grill will be installed outside of the Village House.

Washington University Dining Services spent approximately $7,000 this year to replace missing and broken dishes, utensils, cups and trays. The cost of replacing dishes is reflected in students’ meal plans. Each year, Dining Services allocates $1.50 to 2.50 per student in its budget to cover the costs of replacing missing dining equipment.

As federal officials emphasize the importance of healthy eating, the newly released 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans challenge Washington University dining menus to meet higher standards.