There are few things that bond a group of people more than eating a good meal together. The same is true of the students at Mississippi College - especially on gyro day in the cafeteria. As a prospective student, I looked forward to using my meal points and eating with friends each day, loading my plate with my favorite foods and desserts. However, as a freshman with extensive, newfound dietary restrictions, navigating on-campus dining proved to be more difficult than anticipated.
I went to the cafeteria for dinner on my first day of school. Although there are numerous main courses, sides, and desserts offered at each meal, I was not able to add many of these to my plate. Initially overwhelmed with what seemed to be a lack of options, I joined the line at the salad bar and grabbed an orange on the way to my seat. I was not happy with the possibility of eating a salad every day. However, since my first meal in the cafeteria, I have learned three “tips” that allow me to eat more than a salad at each meal.
First, before I walk to the cafeteria, I always check the online cafeteria menu on the MC website. Knowing what is being served at each meal allows me to preplan my meals and look up any necessary nutritional information before stepping foot in the cafeteria. Second, I “hop” from line to line. For example, I may be able to eat the entree from the International station, but I may not be able to eat the available sides. In that case, I would go to another station to find a side item I could eat.
However, there are some days where there are not enough items available to make a full meal, leading to my third tip. In these cases, reach out to Ms. Ima, who works in the cafeteria. She can discuss your specific dietary restrictions and prepare a plate catered to your needs. This accommodation is only meant for students who can not eat what is being served that day and is not meant for students who are “picky.”
While navigating the cafeteria with eating restrictions is an adjustment, it is not impossible. There are a myriad of options to choose from each day, and you can combine items any way you like. Once COVID-19 restrictions loosen and self-serve stations reopen, there will be even more options to choose from at each meal. Bon Appétit, Choctaws!
Sincerely, MC
