No Carb Counts? No Calorie Knowledge? No Way!
The University of Alabama (UA) is making great strides to meet the needs of their student population. Where most universities miss the mark, they are listening to students who are saying loud and clear that they need help incorporating healthy lifestyles on campus. At UA, this was as simple as getting the campus dining service, Bama Dining (by ARAMARK), on board.
For students behind the initiative, difficult was an understatement. It took several months to get dining officials to realize that all students on campus, not just those with diabetes, deserved to have easy access to nutritional information that can help them make healthier choices - or at least more conscious choices!
Over a year has passed since UA incorporated nutrition labels at all of the major dining halls on campus and for some areas of the food court. Bama Dining has also begun posting nutrition information consistently on their website (www.bamadining.com) where students can check to see what is being served in each dining hall, and what is in their food. Students also lobbied for nutritional "kiosks" outside of the dining halls, where they can check a computer monitor for nutrition information before deciding to pay and enter an all-you-care-to-eat facility.
As a result of the nutrition program, UA has taken a more hands-on approach and is working to facilitate education and awareness of the benefits of healthy lifestyles. Between the resources on the website, outside the door, and in front of students as they move through the lines, patrons have easy access to the information that can make or break a meal (especially if you have diabetes!).
Want more information about the initiative and how to get started on your campus or workplace, contact dana.lewis@closeconcerns.com.
