Food is an important part of a student's college experience. What students put into their body will affect their school experience and performance. However, there are other factors that affect college students. Since college is becoming more expensive, it makes it tougher to pay for college while working. Andrews’ Cafeteria – Terrace Cafe – is anecdotally known for being one of the best Adventist University cafeterias in North Ameriapproximately With this title, there is a particular standard to be met by the students in order to have an enjoyable dining experience.
First of all, the cafeteria has improved immensely since COVID-19. During the pandemic, there were limited food options, and the dining experience wasn’t enjoyable with all the plastic shieldings on the tables. However, upgrading the dining hall with new paint, lights, and flooring has added a new touch in improving the dining experience. Additionally, creating more options during the meals on both sides of the cafeteria has enabled students to try various kinds of food and made it more allergen-friendly. Unlike other Adventist universities, Andrews open buffet style allows students to eat as much as they please.
The Andrews cafeteria, while appreciated for its services, has seen some concerns raised by students regarding the dining experience. Some students have shared their experiences to help improve dining at Andrews. Mark Imazu (sophomore, MLS) has suggested that vegetables in the cafeteria could benefit from more thorough washing. Bella Hamann (senior, social work) echoed the same concern when she found dirt in her salad, which highlights the need for continued attention to food preparation and cleanliness. Hannah Kim (junior, nursing) expressed her preference for more balanced seasoning in the dishes, emphasizing the importance of consistent flavor in the meals provided by the cafeteria. Hannah also proposes that introducing more diverse cultural foods, particularly Asian cuisine, would make her experience in the cafeteria more enjoyable. This aligns with the university’s commitment to ethnic diversity and could enhance the overall student life on campus. Bella recommends making the cafeteria more allergen-friendly to prevent cross-contamination, which is an important consideration for students with dietary restrictions. Additionally, adjusting the hours of operation of the cafeteria could benefit students who work through those hours to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food.
It is crucial that these concerns and suggestions should be approached constructively as we all try to improve Andrews as a whole. Addressing these concerns and fostering an open dialogue between students, cafeteria staff, and administration, could possibly lead to reevaluating the contract with Bon Appetit. This would lead to a more positive and inclusive dining experience for everyone at Andrews University
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.