Whether it’s grabbing a quick bite to eat or simply waving hello to the beloved staff, Dining Services has so much to offer. Here are some of the highlights of Dining Services and fun events they have put on recently!
Hang around longer than just a quick lunch at the Jack Kane Dining Center on Main Campus, or so-called “caf” for a daily dose of surprises. If you’re living on West Campus, don’t be shy—the Lourdes Dining Hall has plenty to offer you as well. With weekly performances in the Mugshots Coffeehouse, and the Lourdes Snack Shop, you are set!
What is Dining Services Serving Up?
On March 18th, 2019, there was a build-your-own snack-mix station on main campus. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day the day before, I had a bowl of Lucky Charms with Andes Mints.
Did you know that there are over 10,000 varieties of the tomato? They come in a variety of pinks, purples, blacks, yellows, whites and more. On March 19th, Chartwells (Winona State’s catering company), had Superfood Tuesday. Tomatoes were that week’s superfood and students got to enjoy oven-roasted tomatoes all week long!
Dining Services Events
1. Ellen DeGeneres and Cheerios
Only a few days later, WSU Chartwells started a new campaign. They teamed up with Ellen DeGeneres and Cheerios to work towards their “One Million Acts of Good” initiative. WSU students had the opportunity to fill a box with health snacks that will be given to children in Winona. These “MATTERboxes” inspire and demonstrate healthy eating, and even include an inspirational note written by the WSU student.
2. Focus Groups
WSU Dining Services also hosts a weekly focus group meeting and any student who signs up is welcome! For about an hour, the students and staff discuss ways the cafeteria and other on-campus eateries can improve. And… there’s snacks provided, so it doesn’t get better than that!
3. Teaching Kitchen
One of my favorite opportunities offered by Chartwells is the Teaching Kitchen event. This one-hour event lets 15 students sign up to get hands-on learning and cook a meal right in Jack Kane.
4. Indoor Farmer’s Market
Dining Services also puts on an Indoor Farmer’s Market which brings in local, fresh foods for purchase by WSU students right in the Jack Kane Dining Center! These are great resources to bring healthy eating back to your dorm or home.
WSU Dining Services is greatly involved with the students and rarely disappoints because of the unlimited opportunities. I challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone and get involved with these different opportunities:
- Attend a Teaching Kitchen and share your new knowledge with your residence hall neighbors
- Be bold with your taste buds and try a health snack from our dietician
- Simply sit in on a Focus Group

Gretchen Leif

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