Trace Phillips

Reporter

Mississippi University for Women is offering a new meal option in Hogarth Dining Hall. The new platform offers healthier and safer food choices for students, staff and faculty of The W, especially those with specific allergies.

A Fall 2020 survey for campus Dining Services showed that 79% of the students wanted more vegan and vegetarian variety, as well as additional options for students with special diets. Simple Servings offers meals prepared without milk, eggs, wheat, soy, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts and gluten. It also offers healthier food in general and has expanded the choices for students looking for a more nutritious meal.

“With me being lactose intolerant, the new dining station has opened many new options for me,” says RJ Dell, a senior Business major at The W. “I’m now able to stop on campus and get something both delicious and healthy for me.”

Although Simple Servings is a step in the right direction for not only keeping students safe but diversifying the food options, it is not a solution for everyone. There are students whose allergies are not given quite the same precaution as they are less commonly found.

“They have a good variety of food,” said Madison Lamon, a senior Exercise Science major at The W. “But like for myself, I’m allergic to any kind of tomato products and seasoning as well as ranch products, so it can be very hard for me to find any food that I am able to have.”

Even without these specific foods being avoided, Lamon has found comfort in the acknowledgment of allergies on campus and other cross-contamination issues. Although it is especially helpful to offer these substitute options for individuals with food-related allergies, plenty of other students on campus are finding these healthier options favorable compared to the usual cafeteria offerings. Both those with allergy issues and health-conscious eaters can utilize the benefits of wholesome ingredients and vegan sides to increase their quality of life here on campus.