Written by Carolynn Bructo
Freshmen at RC are required to choose a 19-meal-per-week plan, and sometimes it can be difficult for them to learn how to maintain a healthy diet.
“I think it is crazy to force freshmen to pay for all 19 meals. It is hard to use all 19 swipes, and most weeks I have at least six swipes leftover,” freshman Kait Gifford said.
Freshman Amber Bolyard said that she also feels that 19 meals is an excessive amount of food. She claims that most people probably do not need all 19, but that it is nice to have extra snacks.
“It’s one less thing to worry about. I know that there is food available. I do not have to worry about money or grocery shopping,” Bolyard said.
Freshman Emmanuel Hitchens agrees with Bolyard in that it is nice to have extra snacks accessible in case of emergency or to offer to friends when hanging out, but that sometimes it feels like a burden.
“I feel obligated to use it. I don’t want to waste swipes. If it were my choice, I would likely get a lesser meal plan,” Hitchens said.
Hitchens said that he feels that the amount of swipes is especially excessive given the fact that Colket is all-you-can-eat-buffet style.
“It is definitely important to practice self-restraint and not overeat at Colket,” Hitchens said.
Gifford also said that she thinks that being mindful about the amount and type of food you pile on your plate is essential.
“Everything is about moderation. For example, I know I have a pasta problem, so I only allow myself to eat pasta two times a week,” Gifford said.
Limiting yourself on carbohydrates and sweets is good. Bolyard said that she thinks that the school does a good job at providing other, healthier alternatives.
“They have the salad bar open all of the time, which is a good option. The stir fry, wraps, vegetables, and fruit available are healthy, too. Just pay attention to what you are eating. Other, bigger, schools may have more variety or options available like Chick-fil-A and other restaurants, but that could be unhealthy to eat all of the time,” Bolyard said.
