Campus dining halls are re-opening with more variety and more accommodations
By Katie Benzan
October 3, 2021
Image Credit: Emily R. Condon for The Campus Trainer
Whether you want to maintain your weight, eat less meat, track sugar or salt or simply eat healthy, you can do it all at the Dining Services on the University of Maryland campus.
Of the three dining halls, The Diner provides the most diverse selection of food. However, unlike 251 North and South Campus Dining Hall, The Diner lacks designated sections for students with dietary restrictions.
Shamika Hamilton, the dining services manager at 251 North, said, “We have actually created a whole zone for allergens. We have the Purple Zone, which is solely for students with food allergies. … It is nut-free, allergen-free, any type of gluten, anything you could think of that could cause a student to have a physical reaction.”
Throughout 251 North dining hall, food labels inform students if certain foods are vegan, vegetarian, gluten or other. Other labels suggest students to “ask a chef for ingredients” if they are unsure of the food’s safety.
The Purple Zone serves food free of the top nine allergens: dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, sesame and gluten. The 251 North Purple Zone is a separate kitchen area with particular cooking equipment, while the South Campus Purple Zone is located in a shared kitchen area.
Hamilton, 42, expressed her deep concern for her students and their health and diet. “They can feel safe to know that when they walk in [the Purple Zone], no other students will cross-contaminate with other food. You can only walk in there with a clean plate.”
Students appreciate the variety of food and the staff’s understanding of different students’ preferences and diets.
Ritt Ballares, a junior computer science major, said he can understand why others may say there isn’t much variety at South Campus Dining Hall because The Diner has more variety.
The Diner offers Asian Barbeque, Al’s Grill, a Smoothies Bar, a Salad Bar and Luigi’s Pasta. The Diner’s staff organizes the dining hall to satisfy all diets. Sister Maureen Schrimpe, quality coordinator and nutritionist at UMD Dining Services, wrote on the Dining Services website, “You can select fresh vegetables and lean protein or you can treat yourself to some of our popular treats.”
Dining Services at the University of Maryland strive to offer a wide range of food options to meet every taste, craving and dietary need, as well as help students stay healthy.
Kaleb Todjo, a sophomore computer engineering major, said the pasta shells with marinara sauce at 251 North is his favorite, and the chocolate milk is “fire.”
The Purple Zone at 251 North is open to all students – with or without dietary restrictions. “If students want to partake in that experience, they could. However, they cannot bring in a plate of food [from another area],” Hamilton said.
Freshman Will Duis is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and sesame seeds. He said there are enough options despite his numerous dietary restrictions. His allergens don’t stop him from enjoying mac and cheese and sausage and pepperoni pizza at The Diner.
Imani Arce-Reed, a local opare who works at The Diner in her free time, said students can request and customize meals to avoid any dislikes or allergens. The Diner encompasses a vegan friendly station and a vegetarian station, as well.
Each of the three dining halls offers students a microwave, a toaster and a freezer dedicated to being allergen-free.
The Purple Zone at 251 North and the South Campus Dining Hall allow students with dietary restrictions to feel safe and comfortable to eat and enjoy, while the Diner serves a wide assortment to satisfy all students’ cravings and appetites.
Of the three dining halls, The Diner provides the most diverse selection of food. However, unlike 251 North and South Campus Dining Hall, The Diner lacks designated sections for students with dietary restrictions.
Shamika Hamilton, the dining services manager at 251 North, said, “We have actually created a whole zone for allergens. We have the Purple Zone, which is solely for students with food allergies. … It is nut-free, allergen-free, any type of gluten, anything you could think of that could cause a student to have a physical reaction.”
Throughout 251 North dining hall, food labels inform students if certain foods are vegan, vegetarian, gluten or other. Other labels suggest students to “ask a chef for ingredients” if they are unsure of the food’s safety.
The Purple Zone serves food free of the top nine allergens: dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, sesame and gluten. The 251 North Purple Zone is a separate kitchen area with particular cooking equipment, while the South Campus Purple Zone is located in a shared kitchen area.
Hamilton, 42, expressed her deep concern for her students and their health and diet. “They can feel safe to know that when they walk in [the Purple Zone], no other students will cross-contaminate with other food. You can only walk in there with a clean plate.”
Students appreciate the variety of food and the staff’s understanding of different students’ preferences and diets.
Ritt Ballares, a junior computer science major, said he can understand why others may say there isn’t much variety at South Campus Dining Hall because The Diner has more variety.
The Diner offers Asian Barbeque, Al’s Grill, a Smoothies Bar, a Salad Bar and Luigi’s Pasta. The Diner’s staff organizes the dining hall to satisfy all diets. Sister Maureen Schrimpe, quality coordinator and nutritionist at UMD Dining Services, wrote on the Dining Services website, “You can select fresh vegetables and lean protein or you can treat yourself to some of our popular treats.”
Dining Services at the University of Maryland strive to offer a wide range of food options to meet every taste, craving and dietary need, as well as help students stay healthy.
Kaleb Todjo, a sophomore computer engineering major, said the pasta shells with marinara sauce at 251 North is his favorite, and the chocolate milk is “fire.”
The Purple Zone at 251 North is open to all students – with or without dietary restrictions. “If students want to partake in that experience, they could. However, they cannot bring in a plate of food [from another area],” Hamilton said.
Freshman Will Duis is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and sesame seeds. He said there are enough options despite his numerous dietary restrictions. His allergens don’t stop him from enjoying mac and cheese and sausage and pepperoni pizza at The Diner.
Imani Arce-Reed, a local opare who works at The Diner in her free time, said students can request and customize meals to avoid any dislikes or allergens. The Diner encompasses a vegan friendly station and a vegetarian station, as well.
Each of the three dining halls offers students a microwave, a toaster and a freezer dedicated to being allergen-free.
The Purple Zone at 251 North and the South Campus Dining Hall allow students with dietary restrictions to feel safe and comfortable to eat and enjoy, while the Diner serves a wide assortment to satisfy all students’ cravings and appetites.
Image Credit: Emily R. Condon for The Campus Trainer