The start of the semester was disappointing for some students when they discovered that WashU’s dining services had shortened hours and increased food prices, leaving some students unable to get adequate meals.  
Now, after a series of changes rolled out by Dining Services in response to student complaints, some students are finding it easier to find healthy, affordable meals.

Starting this fall semester, food in WashU’s three main dining halls has been more expensive than in previous years. Prices at the Bear’s Den (BD), Danforth University Center (DUC), and Village are so high that first-years cannot afford two average meals a day no matter what plan they are on. 

As a high school senior touring colleges last spring, I distinctly remember walking into the DUC at Washington University in St. Louis and seeing colorful posters hanging from the ceiling: “No. 3 Best Campus Food, Princeton Review.” As someone who has managed food allergies to dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish for my entire life, I wondered how accurate this statement would be for me. 

With some small exceptions, the late-night meal options available to students on campus are either very unhealthy or just not good.

It is National Nutrition Month! Time to put away those chips and pizzas and chocolates, and get healthy. Don’t know where to start? Worry not, this Health Hacks Timeline has some good ideas for healthy swaps that can get you through the day.

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.

Making healthy choices at Washington University is not necessarily becoming easier, despite the newly instituted “Connie’s Choice” program. The small circular label with the text “Connie’s Choice” has appeared across campus, though many students find the symbol confusing and the purpose inconsequential. “I have no idea which foods are Connie’s Choice.

While national political disputes come to a sudden close as midterm election results come out, another major issue continues to rock Washington University’s student body—the new chai latte recipe being served across campus.

A nutritious diet is an essential element of a healthy lifestyle. Especially in college, the benefits of good nutrition are some of the biggest keys to success and survival. Overall, healthy food makes us feel better and boosts energy, aids memory retention and protects us from illness. A college campus is also one of the most difficult places to access healthy food.