Feel Good, Eat Better at NYUAD dining halls
The dining hall recently underwent a revamp this September with the introduction of the Feel Good counter, which aims to serve as a lighter alternative ...
Oct 31, 2015
The dining hall recently underwent a revamp this September with the introduction of the Feel Good counter, which aims to serve as a lighter alternative to the Meal Club and Hot Wok counters.
This change was in response to high demand from students for the university’s catering contractor, ADNH Compass, to place more of a focus on healthy eating. Students on NYU Abu Dhabi social media groups such as NYUAD Forum had requested various additions, from healthier soups to more fresh fruit.
The Feel Good counter includes a revamped super-food section and make-your-own salad bar, along with supposedly lighter hot meal options.
Sophomore Yumi Gambrill, head of the Dining Committee and a student representative on the Dining Taskforce, spoke about the options available at the Feel Good counter.
“There’s a variety of different protein sources, from both meats and vegetables such as beans, and also a pretty good selection of toppings and condiments,” she said.
When asked how the Dining Committee determines the healthiness of foods, Gambrill clarified that it is out of their hands.
“Dining Committee does not actually decide that,” she said. “We relay student complaints, concerns and suggestions to ADNH and it is up to them to implement it.”
“We’ve seen an increase in the amount of healthy food that they stock simply because people have shown an interest in eating it,” she added.
There has also been a greater focus on the overall nutritional value of the dining hall, with efforts being made to clean up hot food options at all counters.
This is due to widely supported sentiments on NYUAD social media regarding the high oil, grease and salt content of the cooked foods, particularly at Hot Wok.
“Admittedly, [Hot Wok] could be a lot healthier than it is,” Gambrill stated.
In contrast, she said that it is definitely possible to eat healthily at Meal Club by making smart decisions, even if it is “not necessarily what you always want to eat.”
In regards to the general healthiness of the dining hall, Gambrill believes that it is the role of the student body to push for changes, and ADNH will respond in kind.
“There’s a perception that college students don’t eat healthily enough, but there are ways to make the same kind of foods healthier, for example by leaving butter out, and getting that across to ADNH will result in a lot of changes."
Gambrill added that ADNH is highly cooperative in responding to requests, despite the perception that student concerns are not addressed for the sake of cutting costs and maximizing profits.
Dining hall food has always been a highly contested topic among the student body, which often takes to social media to voice concerns.
Gambrill stressed that the healthiness of the dining hall is really in the hands of the student body, because the Dining Committee and Taskforce serve only to reflect the voices of students.
To submit a complaint, comment or suggestion, students can email nyuad.dining@nyu.edu, message NYUAD Dining on Facebook or simply talk to a member of the Dining Committee.
Despite multiple requests, ADNH Compass did not respond for comment.
Penelope Peng is deputy news editor. Email her at feedback@thegazelle.org.
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