For many students, going off to college is their first taste of independence.  It’s an exciting time, reaching this important stage of life.  But while embracing their independence, many find themselves unprepared when it comes to nutrition.  Only a small number of students arrive at school armed with the knowledge of how to shop, cook or make good food choices.

Not to worry. College and university administrators have heard the cry for help and are coming to the rescue.  During this year’s Whole Grains Challenge, we were delighted to see so many colleges bring student nutrition and healthy eating programs to the forefront. 

From informative menus and health counseling to grocery shopping and cooking tips, these educational institutions are making the grade by bringing good eating into campus life.  Here are just a few of the great programs colleges and universities shared with us:

Grocery Store Tours
Teach them how to fish, as they say.  These tours are designed to help students find their way around the local grocery store, showing them how to read labels and choose fresh produce.  Students at the University of Louisville not only get a tour, but learn how to find the best nutritional bargains, like oats and brown rice in bulk.

Cooking Demonstrations
Some schools demonstrate basic cooking skills, teaching preparation techniques and easy-to-make recipes with whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.  Featuring a chef from Barilla, an event at the University of Texas showed students how to cook simple dishes using whole grain pasta.  And at UC San Diego, the chef takes his cooking techniques to the head of the class, sharing his passion for whole grains with students and staff at quarterly events.

Upscale Dining
Many college campuses have revamped their dining halls to mimic upscale restaurants and gourmet cafes. Notre Dame turned their cafeteria into a beautiful restaurant where you can find fresh and delicious meals every day, like Native American Rice & Pea Salad and Winter Squash Pasta.  Repositioned restaurants like these entice students to eat well without leaving school grounds.

Educational Programs
Almost every dining hall we saw uses mealtime as an educational opportunity.  Labeling systems, flyers and icons teach students to choose better foods and more reasonable portion sizes.  At Syracuse University, posters of the “Daily Grain” are posted in the dining halls, helping students understand the benefits of the whole grain on their plates.

       

Dietitians on Staff
Dietitians and nutritionists are partnering with students on campus to combat the “Freshman Fifteen.”  At the Illinois State University you can make an appointment to meet with the staff dietitian and get one-on-one counseling for your nutritional needs and health goals.

Making Food Fun
With a sense of humor, some food service departments encourage their students to play with their food.  Organizing contests, like the “Adventure Video Competition” and “Know Your Noodle” trivia game held by the University of Texas, motivates students to pay more attention to what they are eating.

This is only a sample of the wonderful healthful programs we have seen at colleges and universities.  On our Eating Away From Home page, we keep a list of colleges and universities that offer whole grains daily.  The list is by no means complete; only the ones we are aware of are included.  If you have a school to add, send the menu and the contact information for the school to Karen@oldwayspt.org.