Students note lack of healthy options at food court

Tulane students have expressed concern about the lack of healthy meal options in the Lavin-Bernick Center food court.

“There is an inadequate number of healthy options in the food court, and there are more unhealthy options than healthy ones,” sophomore Ariel Noffke said.

John Coleman, marketing manager for dining services, said he has not heard complaints from students. Coleman said students can find healthy options at locations like Wall of Greens, Byblos and Lagniappe.

Many students, however, say there are not enough options and that long lines and high prices deter them from choosing healthier options.

“The salad station is great but because of that there is usually a long line,” sophomore Amanda Krantz said.  “It essentially forces students and faculty to go for the quickest option, regardless of whether it has any nutritional value.”

Krantz also said she would like to see more fresh fruit and vegetables at reasonable prices.

“A small fruit salad shouldn’t cost $2.59,” Krantz said. “It is a huge markup.”

Noffke said that other than prices, another issue is the limited hours of the healthier locations.

“The unhealthy options are usually cheaper than healthy options and places that have healthier choices seem to not be open as late and also not be open as often,” Noffke said.

Panda Express, for example, is open every day from 10:30 a.m. until the food court closes at 8 p.m., making it one of the few options left open for students eating a later dinner. Panda Express does, however, list some low-calorie options on its menu.

Coleman said that students can eat healthy at the LBC food court if they know how.

“A big part of it is knowing how to balance your choices,” Coleman said. “Grabbing your first impulse may not always be the healthiest option.”