Has it ever occurred to you that you either feel motivated to eat what the dining hall is serving or do you go towards more spending more of your dining dollars by getting something at your school’s chain restaraunt? I know, asking questions like these usually means I want to point out something that I hope gives people a different perspective when it comes to ordering meals or finding food at college. Apparently, some colleges that have a smaller campus is struggling with finding food on campus. Here are some options that I believe could help our food system grow better than ever for your campus.
Add a stand for only fruit and vegetables
It’s important for us to eat the greens but you always need a little more color. Check out your salad bar and see what fruits and vegetables are there. If there’s only a few options then that’s a problem. Request a stand or station that is just fresh fruits and vegetables, not just salad quality items. Apples are always a great snack but so is a fruit bowl.
Have more seasonal options.
Halloween is coming, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas! So when you know it’s almost seasonal time, seasonal drink's should be offered along with a seasonal dessert. Chanel tells us how it is.
Add more snack vending machines around campus and dorms.
We all need a midnight snack and not just more ramen noodles from your dorm. Vending Machines should be an absolute go-to! Plus, it’s cheap! It doesn't have to be filled with soda or junk food. They’re plenty of different vending machines out there which offer fun and delicious snacks.
Offer Free Food and Drinks
We’re all college kids living on a college budget. FREE FOOD is all we want to hear when we’re hungry!
Have more international food choices
Trying out new food is always my favorite. International food has so much potential in the food’s taste because of how many different foods there are in the world. Italian, Mexican, Indian, Japanese, Thai… you name it!! We also want to stay adventurous in college as well.
Add Donuts and Bakery Treats for Breakfast and Brunch Time. Also as a sweet snack.
We all have a sweet tooth that sometimes our dining hall cakes jello’s and cookies aren't going to call it. Donuts is where it’s at! If your campus doesn't serve donuts, I would request it! What’s so bad about a sweet treat?
Get more fresh, gluten free, and healthy food.
It always makes us feel good to know what we are eating and how fresh it is. If it’s made right in front of us than we have a better understanding. Some people have to have these options but usually it’s not not that interesting or appetizing. These options are always good for people that don’t want to eat to meat or just stay healthy. Skip the Freshman Fifteen!
Ask your college about special events like dinners, Bbq, and picnics students could put together on their own.
Getting Involved on Campus is always the best way to meet people but the best way to get people's attention is food. If you can cook, then have them be your guest.
Find ways to cook or bake on Campus
If you want to save money and not wait in a long line for pizza again, then find a kitchen and cook for your friends or yourself. Cooking for me is one of my favorite things to do because I’m creating my own meal and I know what I’m making. Yes, Microwave works too if you don’t have a stove but be careful!
Request a Chain Restaurant to come on Campus
Some colleges have so many chain restaurants around them. Now, they’re usually a big campus. Then they’re colleges that have a smaller campus but only have one food chain to choose from. If you attend a small college that has more food chains then one, you are very lucky. If your school only has one then write to the school board saying why your school should invest in a new chain. What would you like to eat everyday or spend your dining dollars on?
Now that I got everyone hungry and open their eyes about how they could help their college invest in more food options for campus. Let’s start requesting now so we’re not worrying about eating the same food for four years or how much meals we are getting in a day.
