Meal plans are frequently used by college students as a practical and economical method of navigating campus eating. Here at Northwestern College, students have access to dining halls, restaurants and snack bars that are included in meal-swipe and flex-dollar programs, providing a range of choices to accommodate various schedules, cravings, and preferences.
While most students are able to make the most of these offerings in a timely manner, other students have to choose between using their meal credits for larger meals or stopping for a quick snack on the go in between classes, rehearsals and practices.
No matter how they are used, meal plans make it possible for students to have consistent access to wholesome meals in the midst of their busy social and academic lives, all while providing community-centered spaces that allow opportunities for conversation and bonding.
With this being said, it is time to see what the students at NW think of the main dining spots on campus; the DeWitt Cafeteria and the Hub Raider Grille.
The cafeteria offers an ever-changing, versatile selection of meals ranging from pizzas and pastas to stir fry and tacos. The “all-you-can-eat” aspect is another huge draw for students, as you can eat however much you need for no extra charge. However, the operating hours are much smaller and selective, so you only have a few hours a day to get in a meal here.
The “Hub” has a set menu of burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and to-go deli options as well as packaged sweets, snacks and malt shakes. The hours are open much longer- nearly all day- and everything is made to-order, much like in a “real” restaurant. However, you have to use one meal swipe/flex dollars per meal/snack, so it’s best to come here if you just want to grab something fast at the end of your day.
In a short survey, it was revealed that 86% of students prefer using their meal swipes at the cafeteria, as opposed to the Hub.
“I like the caf best because it has a rotating menu and it gives healthier options and gives a good sit-down environment for fellowship,” said freshman Alexia Hanson.
Freshman Ellison “Ellie” Van Es also shared her thoughts on the cafeteria. “I like [it] because it feels less like school and more like the real-world,” she said.
Of course, we could not talk about the cafeteria without bringing up Stacy Roberson, a crowd-favorite employee who can usually be found serving up delicious meals at the “Interact” station in the back of the establishment.
If you do not know who Roberson is yet, trust that you will before your time at NW is up. Most meet him within the first week of classes, and he takes intentional time to converse with each and every person that comes through his line.
Roberson is the human embodiment of “love what you do,” because his passion for community and outreach has truly made an impact on the dining culture here at NW, one that merely cannot be replicated anywhere else.
In conclusion, the cafeteria is a place that truly fosters a sense of community, provides great food, and maintains affordable prices for its patrons. The community component makes mealtimes more enjoyable and provides a space for people to come together and build relationships, the emphasis on eating healthily ensures that meals are not only satisfying, but also appetizing, which improves overall wellbeing and happiness.
Additionally, the cost-effectiveness ensures that these benefits will remain accessible to a greater number of individuals, making the cafeteria a practical and enticing option, clearly outshining its competition; specifically, the Hub.
Hopefully you can sit down with friends this week and enjoy the cafeteria’s buzzing atmosphere, a welcoming environment where individuals can enjoy a variety of meals, connect with others, and recharge throughout the day.
