My eyes shut for several seconds until they are forced open by the sound of coffee being poured. In my right hand, an egg and sausage breakfast sandwich waits to be eaten on its Styrofoam plate. As I look around at the food choices available at The Outpost, there is something missing. Actually, there’s a lot missing: variety.
Daily nutrition is of the utmost importance to a growing boy or girl. Students need adequate nourishment to keep their minds fresh and their eyes open. But when it comes to what’s available on campus, students are forced to choose between corporate fast food and few-and-far-between healthy food options like Subway.
This week’s Ted on the Street will attempt to take a bite out of the different food choices available on campus and discover what students want to see in the future.
The Skinny
Among the restaurants available on campus are Taco Bell Express, Panda Express, Subway, Carl’s Jr., El Pollo Loco, The Charthouse, The Outpost, and The Nugget Bar and Grill, which is the only place that serves alcohol on campus. The campus has several options for students but could always use more, according to Margie Benitez, area supervisor of The Nugget.
“I think there could be more choices on campus,” Benitez said. “But I think there is still a big selection available.”
There are fewer places on campus that have healthy choices on the menu than there should be, according to Benitez. But places like The Nugget and The Charthouse are trying to catch up to students’ needs.
“I can definitely say that we are very flexible for giving students what they want,” Benitez said. “We have a very diverse menu available, ranging from burgers to salads. We’re very versatile and willing to cater to students’ needs.”
When comparing homemade food to campus food, Benitez still thinks that The Nugget and The Charthouse have something to offer.
“A lot of students miss their homemade comfort food,” Benitez said. “They enjoy restaurants that have a menu that rotates and changes to give more variety. We try to give them as many choices as possible. Part of what we offer is the ability to make pretty much anything the student wants. The Chartroom provides healthy meals as well and prepares everything from scratch.”
The Street
Besides the restaurants on campus, there are many shops to choose from for a quick snack. One of those stores is the Candy Counter in the University Student Union. Two employees of this snack stand gave their opinion on which types of food they would like to see on campus.
“I think, besides Subway, we don’t have anything else healthy,” said Ani Melik, a junior sociology major and Candy Counter employee. “I try not to eat crap on campus, but it doesn’t always work out that way. I would like to see more salads and sushi, as long as it’s fresh.”
Melik’s Candy Counter co-worker, Bharat Bandi, a graduate electrical engineering major, shared a similar opinion.
“I would prefer an Indian restaurant or an In-N-Out Burger,” Bandi said. “Indian food is more healthy than fast food. We also need more cultural foods on campus.”
“I either eat Subway or El Pollo Loco,” senior psychology major Claudia Ruiz said. “I wish there was more variety of healthy foods than just burgers and stuff, because usually when you eat just fast food you go to class and feel sleepy. It affects your motivation to be in class. We need healthy food.”
Ted Concludes
Enjoying a scrumptious meal at your favorite restaurant can often be the most important part of a student’s day. Taking your mind off of the impending tests that may or may not determine your future is as important as the meals you eat, because the two often go hand-in-hand.
The verdict? Fast food on campus: It’s understandable that we might sometimes be in a rush and need a quick bite without having regard for our bodies, but make sure that, for the most part, you are meeting your nutritional needs.
Finding healthy food on campus: It’s there if you know where to look. The Nugget is planning on expanding its salad menu and there’s always Subway.
That’s not to say that the fast food places are always bad; El Pollo Loco can be healthy if you know what to order. Also, Taco Bell offers a version of its menu “Fresco Style,” which means that fresh salsa (tomatoes, onions and cilantro) will be substituted for any sauce or cheese in the item ordered.
