Nutrition Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I find out what nutrients are in the meals?
A: Dining Services uses a nutrient analysis program to provide nutritional data on all recipes. Also watch for nutrition information on bulletin boards in each cafeteria. Specific nutrient information for recipes is available on nutrient labels displayed with each food in each cafeteria as well as in booklet form. Nutrient content included in the booklet are calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, cholesterol, sodium, calcium, and iron. Nutrients of our newest recipes will be added periodically.
Q: I'm allergic to many foods. How do I get what I need to eat in the cafeteria?
A: If you need a special diet of any kind, please contact the Registered Dietitian in Dining Services. The staff will try to accommodate your needs. Highly allergenic foods such as fish, nuts, wheat, and soy are included on the nutrient labels.
Q: How can I get a balanced diet in the cafeterias?
A: The menus served by Dining Services provide many choices from each food group. We encourage our customers to refer to www.MyPyramid.gov for easy-to-follow meal guides.
We also offer dining opportunities to meet the special needs of vegetarians, including vegans, and those who are watching their weight. Each dining room has a different focus to meet the diverse needs of our customers whether they are students, faculty, staff, or guests.
Q: What if I have a really hectic schedule?
A: Each full-service dining room is open at least 12 hours a day to provide convenient service to assist you in managing your meals on a busy schedule. Many of our customers come in for a study break or visit Clark Grill for a late meal. We offer sack lunches (made to order) or meals to go (made to order) for students whose class and work schedules have squeezed out meal times.
Q: Do you have specific dietary requirements prescribed by your physician?
A: Kathy Butler, Associate Director, is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian who is available at no extra cost to students who have meal contracts. She will make an appointment to help you with diets prescribed by your physician (bring a copy of the prescription) or just to help with a nutrition question.
Q: I usually skip breakfast; can I choose a meal plan that offers only lunch and dinner?
A: Breakfast is such an important meal that it is included in all meal plans. Breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (11:00 a.m. in Bruce). Full-service cafeterias offer 20-25 different flavors of cereal, and we are never without grated cheese and peanut butter! Students who eat breakfast will find that it helps to improve their ability to concentrate and lengthens their attention span. We recommend it!
We also provide grab-and-go-style breakfast at two locations - Crumley To Go and Traditions To Go. You can use your meal plan to pick up a quick meal at these locations from 7:30 am to 10:00 am Monday - Friday.