Few students are destined to gain the feared “freshmen 15” in their first year of college. Nevertheless, opportunities to participate in bi-weekly beer pong tournaments or late night pizza splurges may cause recent high school graduates to become unhealthy.
While nutrition experts at Washington University cannot control students’ weekend activities, they are working with Bon Appetit, the catering company at the University, to create healthier options for students and faculty.
This summer marks the third annual revision of the menus. According to Connie Diekman, director of University nutrition, a team of nutrition experts from the University is working with Bon Appetit to provide healthier options.
“It is important to stay proactive,” Diekman said. “At this point we are still working on the menus. Chefs are in the process of trying new recipes over the summer.”
These new recipes include whole-grain breads, seafood, and “farm to fork,” or natural foods.
Another initiative the nutrition team is working on is improving the dining services website. Currently, diners can log onto the dining services Web site (http://www.diningservices.wustl.edu) and examine the vital nutrition information for a certain number of foods. The website also contains helpful tips about maintaining a balanced diet as well as virtual tours of Center Court and Holmes Lounge.
Diekman meets with numerous incoming freshmen requiring special dietary options due to allergies and other special nutritional needs prior to the academic year. She emphasized the importance of maintaining an open channel of communication between the students and the dining services team.
“They need to let us know how the food [at the University] meets their needs,” Diekman said. “If it does not, we need to know how we go about changing it.”
Quick rundown: on-campus dining options
Bear’s Den
Conveniently located on the ground floor of the Wohl Center on the South 40, this location offers a wide variety of dining options. The recent renovation also brought about a new menu including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and grill selections are some of the popular choices among students.
Center Court
Many students watching their meal points appreciate the “all you can eat” at one price policy at this location. Located right above Bear’s Den on the second floor of the Wohl Center, food options include international specialties, traditional home-style meals, a salad bar, and numerous desserts. Weekend brunch is most popular, serving the largest selection of breakfast items on campus including pancakes, waffles, and omelets.
Food Court
Located at the heart of the Danforth campus on the ground floor of Mallinckrodt, many students stop here for lunch in between classes. The food court features anything from philly cheese steaks and pizza to roasted chicken with potatoes. Asian cuisine, a salad bar, and a wrap station are also available at this location.
Holmes Lounge Caf‚
Known as the most historical dining location on campus, Holmes Lounge was built for the 1904 World’s Fair. Located in Ridgley Hall, students enjoy the rich woodwork and fireplace while eating their freshly carved meat sandwiches, paninis, soups, and pastries.
The Village Caf‚
Located north of the South 40 and Danforth campus, the Village offers numerous international specialties, seafood, and grill options. Many students make the journey north for the stir-fry.
Subway at the Rat
Located on the Danforth campus, this is a popular lunch stop for students not in a hurry.
Whispers Caf‚
Who said the library was only for studying? Opened in May 2004, this location offers Kaldi’s coffee, salads, sandwiches, soups, and baked goods. Located on the first floor of Olin library, many students visit Whispers on study breaks.
Ursa’s Caf‚
Located on the ground floor of Lien, Ursa’s serves milkshakes, smoothies, marble slab ice cream, soups, sushi, wraps, and Starbuck’s coffee. Residential Life and the Congress of the South 40 present “Ursa’s Night Life” every Friday night, which includes live entertainment, free coffee, and free popcorn on movie nights. Ursa has a large plasma television and game board tables for students to enjoy.