Wellness Wednesday: Eating on Campus
Many students may find it difficult returning to a “college diet” leading into the New Year and spring semester. It is important to find food selections that meet our dietary needs, but where on campus can you find these options?
Dining Halls
One of the first places students, faculty and staff encounter on campus are the dining halls: Fountain, Clark, and Case. Fountain, the largest of the three, includes a dessert bar with the famous Howling Cow ice cream and is located on West Campus between Bragaw and Lee Hall. You can find similar dining options at Clark, located on East Campus near the Quad and Pullen Park, including Fast Lunch between 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. and the Pack&Go Dining Hall Takeout program. Finally, Case, located on Central Campus, has an extensive selection of daily entrees and sides, as well as a salad bar, hot grill station, fresh fruit and desserts. Dinner time at Case is reserved for those on the Student-Athlete Meal Plan.
Though the dining halls do not take cash, credit cards and payroll deduction are accepted forms of payment. NC State employees can take advantage of the IncrEDIBLE Savings Club to receive discounts at dining halls and on-campus restaurants using their faculty/staff ID card. For those seeking a healthy on-campus option, look for the “Wolf Approved” paw print to identify healthier selections and visit the Dining website to read everyday nutrition tips.
Atrium Food Court and Talley Student Union
If you’re looking for a quick boost between classes and study sessions, the Atrium Food Court and Talley Student Union have what you’re looking for. The Atrium includes options like Smoothie U, Delirious Wraps and Salads, and Chick-fil-A, which provides students with a variety of options to customize their dining experience. Talley offers choices such as Jason’s Deli, One Earth World Cuisine, 1887 Bistro and Los Lobos Mexican Grill. The Talley Market offers grab-and-go convenience items, including sandwiches, wraps, salads and sides, and accepts Dining Dollars, All Campus and credit cards for purchases.
Off-Campus Resources
In addition to the many on-campus options available, stores like Target, Aldi, Harris Teeter and Trader Joe’s provide a multitude of options to meet your nutritional needs. Look for power snacks, like protein bars, carrots, hard boiled eggs, nuts and whole fruits. Check out the State Farmers Market or the Black Farmers Market for locally sourced foods that support the greater Raleigh community.
Finding Support
Consistent access to affordable healthy food options isn’t always easy, but NC State has built-in support systems to help meet your needs. The Feed the Pack Food Pantry, located on Hillsborough Street, is open to faculty, staff and students regardless of financial need or income. Anyone may visit the facility to receive food or hygiene products free of charge – all you need is your Wolfpack OneCard. The pantry is always seeking volunteers and donations for those interested in supporting this initiative.
If you don’t know where to start or are struggling to find resources on campus, be sure to visit Campus Health where all NC State students can meet with a registered dietician for two free initial nutrition counseling visits. Wellness and Recreation also offers four free wellness coaching sessions to all NC State students to explore goal setting and incorporating healthy habits into your routine.
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