In response to “Why I Hate Meal Hall” from Issue 78.2
When I walk into meal hall every morning, I am always welcomed by a kind woman sitting behind the desk, who swipes my student card as well as hundreds of other students. She greets me each and every morning with a smile. I always make sure to ask how she is, and I mean it every single time. I sometimes wonder how many people even say hello to her each day, and if any take the time to say “thank you” to her. Two small words can brighten someone’s day, no matter how insignificant these words may seem.
As I enter the kitchen, I see the hardworking staff cooking, preparing, cleaning, and serving breakfast. I see the day’s offerings, and I wander around to see anything that I may like to eat. To my delight, meal hall has My Pantry, a kitchen stocked with vegetables, proteins, and grains. I enjoy cooking a warm meal in the morning, along with a friendly chat with whomever is mixing up the daily smoothie next to me. My Pantry is well-stocked with a variety of fresh ingredients every day.
Sometimes, I do not always enjoy the daily special during lunch or dinner. I never have to fear though, as the meal hall staff provide many alternative options. The salad bar is brimming with carrot sticks, vibrant celery, sliced radishes and cucumber, and much more. Before coming to university, I ate more vegetables than the average high school student. Now that I live at Acadia University, I find that I am eating more vegetables than ever before. On the days that I decide to enjoy a salad, there are many options to top my greens besides dressing. A couple olives or a small handful of shredded cheese and/or beans make the perfect salad topping, and adds a lot of flavour without drenching my meal in fat or sugar.
Pizza, fries, burgers, and perogies are not the only foods dished up for lunch each day. Soups, whole grain breads, vegetarian meals, low-fat dairy, and fresh fruit are available. As a matter of fact, I’m a particular fan of meal hall’s chicken and turkey chili! If you find that there’s a certain dish that you enjoy, let the kitchen staff know! I’m sure that they would love to hear that students enjoy their hard work. If you ever have any concerns about the nutrition of the food being served, don’t hesitate to ask! You’re paying meal hall to feed you throughout the year; that’s a lot of food! More food than most people in the world even have access to. Meal hall staff are kind, honest people who would love to hear positive/constructive suggestions from students. Politeness and a smile can go a long way. The staff are willing to listen to your concerns, and they’d be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Have a great idea for meal hall? Say something! Maybe your dream could become reality (if the costs are feasible). It’s possible to submit any recipes you would like to see made.
I also appreciate being able to have a hot meal for supper. With classes, clubs, other people, assignments, and finances facing me every day, a comforting bowl of chicken and rice soup can be a delicious and comforting way to relax. Good food, good friends, and good choices available leave one thing off my list of worries.
