Long-term consumption of Sodexo cafeteria food is unhealthy for students.
After investigating the nutritional value of many of the foods offered in Queen’s cafeterias, Journal reporter Daniel Myran found that Sodexo’s food contains percentages of fats and sodium that often outstrip those of fast-food chains.
Sodexo Manager Joli Manson said the company puts the onus on students to make healthy food choices, not on the company. Manson said the vegan dishes are healthy options for students.
But Myran found many of the cafeterias’ vegan dishes contain high percentages of fats and sodium as well.
Although students are ultimately responsible for what goes into their bodies, it’s disappointing that Sodexo refuses to take any responsibility for offering healthy choices.
Myran’s experience suggests that even those who put effort into eating well have difficulty finding healthy options in the cafeterias.
The cafeterias have an extensive selection but, in reality, students have very little choice in their diet because they neither control how their food is made nor which ingredients go into the dishes. Sometimes even the portion size is controlled.
Students pay a substantial amount for meal plans and the large quantities of stolen cutlery and food suggest that many students don’t feel they’re getting their money’s worth.
Queen’s should consider making meal plans optional for first-year students living on main campus and maintaining the kitchens in residence so students have the option of preparing their own meals.
Sodexo’s contract is up for renewal in 2010 and the University should research alternatives to the current service.
The University of Guelph, which has been voted the best in food service in the Globe and Mail’s University Report Card consecutively since 2003, manages its own dining outlets.
Because the service is small, compared to Sodexo Inc., which serves 6,000 clients across North America, students have a more direct role in pressuring the University for healthy and sustainable options.
In a society that’s dealing with higher obesity rates, Queen’s has no excuse for not putting more pressure on Sodexo to cater to student demands for healthier options.
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