New campus dining offers healthy food choices
Rachel Hudes
Issue date: 9/18/09 Section: News
|
According to Rita LaRue Gollotti, senior associate vice president of Drexel Business Services, the dining places were selected in part through a joint survey of faculty, staff and students conducted by Drexel and Sodexo.
"The selection process was multi-layered. Students were talked to every year about what they wanted to see, which [were] national brands on campus and healthy options," LaRue Golloti said.
Students were kept involved beyond the survey and were encouraged to vote on the eight most popular national brands, as indicated by the Drexel community survey.
Taco Bell's opening will be followed by the Northside Dining Terrace, located next to Kelly Hall on 34th and Race Streets. This will include a Subway, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, Currito, and a Sushi place all scheduled to be open in November.
"Chick-fil-A was [voted] number one. Quizno's and Subway were tied for second but Subway was selected because they have an excellent reputation for providing healthy options. Good sides, lean proteins, and lots of vegetables are available there," LaRue Gollotti explained.
Drexel's want for healthier options also resulted in the expansion of vegan and vegetarian choices on campus, such as the addition of Currito.
"Currito goes beyond the Mexican concept and includes dishes with brown rice, whole wheat options and tofu. Students will be able to order healthy meals and "Burritos without Borders" based on popular international dishes including Mexican, Greek and Indian [cuisines]," LaRue Golloti said.
"I think it's great because the more choices out there, the more a person can eat according to what their body needs," Vicki Schwartz, a registered dietitian and faculty member in the department of biology, said. "People should enjoy their food and pick foods that are healthy within their preferences - which is always possible. Even Taco Bell has vegetarian and low fat menu choices."
Besides the healthy menu options available at the new and upcoming eateries on campus, a new system in the Handschumacher dining hall was developed for students so that they can easily eat healthier, balanced meals throughout the day.
"At the dining center there is a product ID card and balance way program which gives people the option to eat healthy without putting them in a corner. You just tell the server you want it the balanced way which provides a plate that is less than 600 calories, 800 milligrams of sodium, [fewer than] 35 percent of calories coming from fat and includes at least three grams of fiber," LaRue Golloti said.
Be the first to comment on this story