The Teaching Kitchen and LIFE Station have been among some of the few changes Gourmet Dining has made this year, but the best addition of all has been the new smoothie station that has been introduced to the Commons.
It has served as a chance for the student body to incorporate more healthy options into their daily food intake. This addition has been the most favored by students, as the station is normally in constant use throughout the day.
Students have even taken this opportunity to experiment with the various add-ins at the station. Besides normal smoothies, they have been using the ice cream station to make milkshakes with the blenders.
In terms of the smoothie station, Kayla Kiernan (‘28) said, “I am happy with the variety of fruit they have. Also, as a lactose-intolerant person, I really like that they have dairy-free milk options.”
This station has become a saving grace for students with limited options of what to eat on campus due to various food allergies. Though there is the addition of the LIFE Station, which is meant to provide food that excludes major food allergies, the smoothie station has served as a more enjoyable way to intake fruit and vegetables.
Another student, Sierra Walker (‘25) said, “I love the smoothie station so much. I’ve always loved making smoothies because I feel like they’re healthy, but can be whatever you make them to be. It’s definitely so nice to be able to make a sweet treat that is also healthy on my own in Commons. It’s also just so refreshing to have a smoothie during warm weather.”
With the weather starting to heat up, the smoothie station has been heavily used by students more so than normal.
A frequent user of the smoothie station, Victoria Hiscott (‘27), said, “[Smoothies are] great for an addition to any meal of the day. I’m very glad they added it to the commons. It’s fun to make them with friends as well!”
With an array of different combinations of fruit to try, the smoothie station has become a one-stop shop for all health benefits, as well as aiding in the creation of a healthier and happier student body.
Sam DeFalco is a senior majoring in English and Italian and minoring in media and communications.
