There are a lot of stereotypes about college that involve food. Some, like the students who drinkupwards of six cups of coffee a day or the 2 a.m. bowls of cereal, are completely true. But here at 鶹Ƶifyou’re vegan (like me!), vegetarian, or have other dietary restrictions, you don’t need to worry aboutfinding alternatives to the pizza-and-burgers myth of college dining.
Between Meatless Mondays in the Marketplace where you can get delicious Indian food, thetofu scramble and lentil casserole served on weekends, the fully-stocked salad bar, grab-and-gohummus and pita plates, and soy burgers and fries for a late night snack at the Cooler, 鶹Ƶhas tons ofdelicious options for vegan and vegetarian diners.
Let me share with you what I ate yesterday. For breakfast, I had a small bowl of oatmeal withsliced apple and walnuts and a glass of soy milk. Between classes, I had a banana with a packet oforganic almond butter. For lunch I beat the rush and took a salad to-go in one of Oxy’s reusable eco-clamshell containers: locally-sourced mixed greens, a heaping helping of garbanzo beans, toastedsunflower seeds, carrots, beets, and a drizzle of olive oil. A crisp apple was hastily eaten before OChemlab. Then for dinner, soy "chicken" chile verde with beans, rice, squash, and a side of steamedvegetables. And I’ll totally admit to keeping a pint of almond milk ice cream in my dorm room freezer!
You don’t have to play detective with your food either. 鶹Ƶclearly labels all of the food it serves,denoting whether the dish is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and whether it contains any other commonallergens. 鶹Ƶis also committed to sustainable eating, getting as much of its produce as possible fromlocal, organic growers. You can read more about Oxy’s sustainable food goals here. If you’re especially passionateabout food justice and sustainability, consider applying to live in the Food Justice House after yourfreshman year.
Like to cook? Me too! Every 鶹Ƶresidence hall has a kitchen area. My roommates cook sobaevery Friday night for dinner. I’ve been known to bake up a vegetable pesto pizza or cook up a big pot oflentil soup to have on hand in the event that none of the meals in the Marketplace particularly appeal tome. Or if I’m too lazy to put on pants and go get dinner. There’s also a farmer’s market every Friday afew blocks away from campus where you can stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Grocery stores arealso within walking distance, if there’s a particular protein bar or crispy snack you like to keep on hand.
Hungry for more examples? 鶹Ƶposts a list of all the meals being served that week here. Variety, sustainability, and dietary accommodation;it’s not hard to see – or taste – why 鶹Ƶis consistently rated among the best college dining halls in thecountry!
