by Kelly Bridges
The Mountaineer Times recently conducted at Southern Vermont College about the dining hall food; from the results gathered, a cook feels one way and students feel another.
Six students answered the online survey and voiced their opinion. They were asked about each of the meals provided, if the ‘freshmen 15’ does exist, what they would change, and their overall experience.
A cook at the dining hall, who prefers to remain anonymous, stated during an interview that both dining hall cooks and students were probably satisfied. “I feel good about it. I don’t really interact with the students, but I believe they are okay with it.”
All of the survey respondents feel that they would like to see some changes. One participant stated, “I would like more ‘real bacon’ during breakfast and the chicken completely cooked for dinner.” It seems that either students are getting sick off of school meat or simply refuse to eat it because it looks pink inside.
Another participant feels that “weekend brunch is the same as breakfast everyday; powdered eggs, turkey bacon, fruit, and yogurt. They could have real food, or at least salad and sandwiches.” Variety and having real eggs and bacon is common request from all six respondents.
Other meals are also being criticized because of their repetitiveness. Another contributor to the survey said, “lunch is not always the best; it is usually the same thing most days.” Choices were a very common argument for students, feeling they don’t have a variety when they come in to grab a bite. One participant feels that “the desserts could be better and if I could change one thing it would be choices.”
Many people know of the dreadful freshmen 15; which is the weight gain caused from having so much food at your fingertips your first year in college. Does it exist though where people seem to be unsatisfied with their choices throughout the day? One student feels it “most definitely the freshman 15 exists. I see most students with a simple plate of fries because they are not interested in any of the other options.”
The final participant’s response was “I get frustrated with the dining hall for a few reasons, and one is they ask for feedback or have people do surveys, but don’t actually respond to them. I’ve made multiple requests and never see results.” Students definitely have a more negative attitude towards the food they are served, the variety, and not being listened to.
With the results collected from the survey and interview, there are opposing feelings about the food being served. Will there be changes next year? Students will have to wait and see because it is a common topic on campus.