Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
Sofia Galiano/ Columnist
If pizza had the same nutritional value as a bowl of whole grains or spinach, health practitioners would recommend a slice a day to keep their clients away. Same goes for popcorn.
That is why I find it paradoxical for a University department whose mission is to promote “healthy lifestyles” to serve pizza and popcorn to students and faculty during their annual open house.
The Student Health Center at the Biscayne Bay Campus, formerly known as the “Big Blue” before being painted beige and receiving other renovations recently, failed to revamp its annual open house menu of Papa John’s pizza and popcorn during this year’s event on Sept. 18.
During the event, the center displays the range of services offered, from health screenings to consultations, covered by the $93.69 health fee students pay each semester.
Every year students and University staff attend the event for walk-in fitness and nutrition assessments, to check their cholesterol and undergo vision screenings, in addition to other basic health exams, to see if they are at their optimal well-being or what they need to achieve it.
And ever since I started attending FIU three years ago, Student Health Services has found it appropriate to serve two of the saltiest and greasiest foods to guests.
I’m not sure this is in line with the vision statement listed on the SHS website that says, “We are committed to the belief that optimal health is essential for each individual to attain his/her highest potential.”
Good luck finding that in a box of pizza or at the bottom of a popcorn bag.
Before receiving food, attendees fill out a survey on the event’s success and what the center can do to improve future open houses. I’ve got one suggestion — take pizza and popcorn off the menu.
Healthy snacks such as granola bars and bananas are also handed out at the event, so the center shows some level of awareness. But I would much rather see the main meal change to something that isn’t lacking so much in the nutrition department.
Publix subs made of whole wheat bread and low-sodium ham, turkey and tuna are a much better alternative. Or they can stick with Italian cuisine, but instead serve whole wheat pasta and caesar salad.
Although healthier options may cost more, providing healthier eating options at the annual SHS open house is in favor of what the department strives to do, which is to show the University community “ways to adopt a healthier lifestyle.”
-sofia.galiano@fiusm.com
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