Food for Thought: Current Information about Cornell's Food Service

David McElhinney, Sodexo Food Service General Manager at Cornell, shares the following information about the well-balanced and quality offerings provided daily, and so parents know where to direct their questions and concerns.

Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, and the Salad Bar - At all meals, fresh whole apples, oranges and bananas are available. Other whole fruits such as pears, peaches, plums, and grapes are available seasonally. We also offer fresh cut seasonal fruit at breakfast. Some of our typical offerings are cantaloupe, grapes, honeydew, watermelon, strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi. While in season we purchase Iowa sourced apples, melons, grapes, and strawberries. During August and September, 100% of our melon purchases were from the Muscatine, Iowa. Additionally, frozen blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are available at the waffle bar daily and are a great nutritional alternative.

We provide a minimum of two vegetable selections at every lunch and dinner. One of the selections is a fresh (never frozen) vegetable; examples are asparagus, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. Whenever possible, we use regionally grown and organic products as market and prices will allow. While in season we purchase Iowa sourced tomatoes, onions, peppers, potatoes, asparagus, squash, and definitely sweet corn. However, Mother Nature's winter touch in Iowa freezes local production, so vegetables from other sources and alternatives like IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) vegetables and vegetable blends are used.

On our Salad Bar, all of the leafy greens are 100% natural - no preservatives or additives. The spinach and spring mixed salads offered daily are organic. We also provide two freshly prepared salads daily (examples include antipasto, Waldorf, broccoli bacon and a wide variety of coleslaws, potato and pasta salads.

Meats & Proteins - We are very lucky to live in a state and region so rich in animal proteins. Over 80% of our pork and liquid dairy products are produced and sourced from farms across Iowa. Almost 100% of our cheese and cultured dairy items are sourced from Wisconsin with the exception of a couple of specialty cheeses. Most of our eggs, chicken, and beef are raised and processed within the Midwest region. All of our proteins are USDA inspected and their processing facilities undergo mandatory testing at least annually. Meats are offered from our carving station multiple times each week and are very popular. During the week of December 14, prime rib, glazed ham, and maple glazed turkey breast will be served.

Sugar-Free Cereals and Beverages - Our cereals rotate for the sake of variety, but we strive to always have one organic cereal (typically Granola), two no-sugar-added cereals (such as Rice Krispies, Cheerios or Kix), and three popular cereals (including Raisin Bran, Frosted Flakes, Frosted Mini-wheat, Fruit Loops, and Captain Crunch) to choose from.

In terms of beverages, we offer several 100% juice products (including apple, grape and orange), filtered cold and ambient water, carbonated water, iced tea, hot tea, coffee, and six milk varieties including whole, 2%, skim, organic, original soy, and original rice. There are several diet soda beverages that do not contain sugar, however they include artificial sweeteners. Beverages with organic sweeteners are being developed and we plan to add them to our offerings as they become more widely available.

More Information - Please visit our website to see the daily menus and special event information. On the weekly menu page, click on the meal item to see the nutritional facts.

Questions and Concerns - Perhaps you have a suggestion (such as a new sugar-free product) or a concern about our menus...whatever the matter, feel free to contact the Sodexo leadership team at http://www.cornellcollege.edu/food_services/team.html. We will respond to your inquiries as quickly as possible. Also, encourage your Cornell student to contact one of our leadership team members either via email or in-person during meal times.