2008 Woodie Awards
Stevens Dining reforms to meet new eating trends
Sodexho continues to plan the incorporation of healthier choices
Natalie Schloeder
Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: Campus News
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With college campuses becoming more health conscious, Stevens' food provider Sodexho has been making changes to accommodate the changing trends in eating. Organic foods are on the rise and Sodexho has partnered with a local produce provider to identify and provide locally grown products during their growing season. Together, they are also exploring organic alternatives that may be of interest to their consumers. Sodexho also has an exclusive relationship with United Foods, who is currently one of the largest distributors of organic and natural products as the demand for organic options has tripled this past year.
Additional charges associated with providing more local and organic foods on a regular basis are still trying to be determined but Sodexho hopes that several additions will be possible at minimal increased cost. Some add-ons may be similar to those at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), where they have partnered with the New Jersey Agriculture Commission to promote and educate students about locally grown produce as well as providing a retail salad format called "The Garden State" that features salad creations with locally grown foods. The drawback of being located in the northeast is, of course, the availability of locally grown foods through the changing seasons. Another addition at TCNJ has been the "Balanced Way" food kiosk that provides a complete and balanced meal at each location. While still in the testing stages, it is an option that Stevens hopes to explore in the future.
For those students concerned about calorie intake and other nutritional information, Sodexho is in the works of compiling a book containing all the food labels of their breads, rolls and muffins provided by their food vendors in addition to the nutrition labels already provided for each night's prepared entrees. Sodexho has also added the "Balanced Mind, Body and Soul" kiosk that allows customers to access all types of information pertaining to nutrition and health issues, including a calculator for calorie intake of the menu items selected and an online dietician to answer any additional questions. Stevens Dining is also excited to implement a new online tool that will allow students to review menus and all nutritional information via their website (http://www.framingham.edu/dining_services/smgMenu/(insert date here mmddyy).htm).
Additional charges associated with providing more local and organic foods on a regular basis are still trying to be determined but Sodexho hopes that several additions will be possible at minimal increased cost. Some add-ons may be similar to those at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), where they have partnered with the New Jersey Agriculture Commission to promote and educate students about locally grown produce as well as providing a retail salad format called "The Garden State" that features salad creations with locally grown foods. The drawback of being located in the northeast is, of course, the availability of locally grown foods through the changing seasons. Another addition at TCNJ has been the "Balanced Way" food kiosk that provides a complete and balanced meal at each location. While still in the testing stages, it is an option that Stevens hopes to explore in the future.
For those students concerned about calorie intake and other nutritional information, Sodexho is in the works of compiling a book containing all the food labels of their breads, rolls and muffins provided by their food vendors in addition to the nutrition labels already provided for each night's prepared entrees. Sodexho has also added the "Balanced Mind, Body and Soul" kiosk that allows customers to access all types of information pertaining to nutrition and health issues, including a calculator for calorie intake of the menu items selected and an online dietician to answer any additional questions. Stevens Dining is also excited to implement a new online tool that will allow students to review menus and all nutritional information via their website (http://www.framingham.edu/dining_services/smgMenu/(insert date here mmddyy).htm).