|
Options on campus available to vegetarian students |
|
|
|
Thursday, 06 September 2007 |
by ANNE BAKER
Intern News Reporter
Pesto pizza, bean quesadillas, and teriyaki rice wraps are three dishes that may sound pretty appetizing.
However, meat lovers may not like the fact that there is a lack of pork, steak or chicken in the ingredient list.
Welcome to the world of being a vegetarian.
Vegetarianism has been an option in different cultures for thousands of
years and recently, an increase in vegetarians at Appalachian State
University has been noticed.
Director of Food Services Pat Weaver said, “We are very aware that the
student body is becoming more conscious about eating healthier things
and vegetarians on campus are a growing population.”
Many students decide to give up meat for a vast number of reasons, with the most common being ethical or religious ones.
“After watching a chicken dissection at school when I was 12, I decided
to become a vegetarian,” Erin N. Poindexter said. Poindexter is a
sophomore arts management major.
Choosing to have a meat-free diet at such a young age made it possible
for her to get used to the fact that it would be harder to find
vegetarian options away from home.
As a vegetarian, it is necessary to eat a wide range of foods such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, whole grains, and nuts.
This provides those living on a vegetarian diet with good sources of
calcium, zinc, and iron, all of which help the body function properly.
With this in mind, how easy has it been for vegetarian students on
campus at Appalachian to find healthy food options that fit their
lifestyles?
Poindexter said she was actually “pretty excited” about what is available. She enjoys Freshens
Smoothies located in Cascades Café often, especially since protein powder can be added.
“The market in Trivette Hall is also nice,” Poindexter said.
Morningstar Farm products, which specialize in veggie burgers and other
meatless meals, can be found for sale there. Vegetarian sushi is also
available.
More dining options that serve vegetarian entrees include On the Lite
Side and Noodle Works, both located in the east wing of Welborn
Cafeteria.
Both are open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and serve popular items such
as stir-fry vegetables, sweet potatoes and seasoned black beans. A
favorite among students is the Portobello mushroom subs.
However, some students are not completely satisfied with the choices given on campus.
Sophomore philosophy major D. Bill McIlvaine said, “The food offered
there is a little too typical, and doesn’t offer necessary nutrition to
people who don’t eat meat.”
Weaver said there have also been some complaints regarding the limited hours On the Lite Side and Noodle Works hold.
Food Services did try to extend operating hours to cover dinner but there was not enough business, Weaver said.
“Sometimes we only had around 12 people come in,” Weaver said.
However, Food Services is very open to suggestions regarding vegetarian choices.
Weaver urges those who might not be completely satisfied to talk to either her or the managers of the dining halls.
“I will be glad to see that any suggestion is passed on,” she said.
Weaver can be reached through Food Services at 262-3061 and her office is located in Welborn Cafeteria.
 |
News 
Show/Hide comments
