Columbia University Dining

Making "Healthy Choices" on Campus

Students frequently ask for guidance when it comes to making healthy food choices. We currently have a "Healthy Choice" program at John Jay Dining Hall and Ferris Booth Commons! 

When a food item is marked with the “Healthy Choice” icon it means that this food has been prepared with the intent of promoting good health and preventing future disease. This symbol ensures you that these foods are minimally processed, contain heart-healthy oils, and are low in saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol.

Criteria for Recipes :

• All Vegetables – does not meet criteria if they are prepared with heavy sauce or flavor pouches that are high in sodium and/or contain additives.
• Meats, Poultry or fish – does not meet criteria if breaded and/ or deep fried
• Canned tuna and salmon (only if unsalted and/or rinsed)
• Chicken or turkey – only if skin is removed
• Lean cuts of beef, veal, pork or lamb – if fat is all trimmed off
• Meat substitutes & Plant based proteins
• If using dried beans, peas, lentils. If beans are canned, they must be rinsed
• Tofu, tempeh – good only if not fried
• Dairy choices
• Cheese - only if low-fat or part-skim cheeses are used such as ricotta and mozzarella
• Milk – only if low-fat or fat-free milk is used
• Oils and Fats
• Unsaturated vegetable oils like canola, olive, corn, cottonseed, peanut, safflower, soybean and sunflower
• Salad dressing & Mayonnaise – only if low-sodium/ low-fat is used
• Marinades – unless low-sodium and only if unsaturated oils are use 
• Breads, cereals, grains & starches
• Rice - Enriched white or brown
• Breads – whole grain breads, pitas, tortillas, corn tortillas
• Cooked cereals - corn grits, farina (regular), oatmeal, oat bran, cream of rice, cream of wheat

Planning Healthful Meetings & Events on Campus

Research indicates that the majority of meals and calories are consumed outside of the home and these foods tend not to be as healthy as foods prepared at home. Therefore, it is important that we are mindful of foods consumed on campus, at work or at social gatherings and events. Many student groups have expressed an interest in offering healthier foods at social events and meetings and offering less donuts, cookies and standard cheese or meat pizza; this is a great initiative as if we need to develop healthy habits now that will last throughout life. Whether you are planning a small gathering or a large event, be sure to offer safe and healthy food that will nourish and promote productivity and not drowsiness!  

Guidelines for Healthy Meetings Currently the American diet is suffering - diets are high in saturated fat and sodium, low in fiber and few Americans meet their fruit, vegetables and whole grain recommendations. So it is important that healthy eating choices should be made available whenever food and beverages are provided. Promoting healthful food at meetings and events is a great step towards encouraging others to eat a healthful diet as well as providing proper nourishment. Unfortunately, it is sometimes not as convenient or cost-effective to provide healthful items but thankfully there are many nutritious foods that can be affordable and successfully implemented.

Healthy Tips for Meetings & Events 

• Offer a Variety of Whole Grains, Beans, Fruits & Vegetables:
• Fresh fruit – try to get locally grown apples and other seasonal fruit whenever possible
• Salads – garden salad with a few choices of dressing
• Fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, cucumber, radishes, cherry tomatoes – serve with humus as a dipping sauce or plain
• Whole-grain breads – assorted individual rolls, sliced bread, fruit breads (i.e. raisin walnut, cranberry pecan, etc.)
• Whole grain cracker served with assorted cheese cubes
• Pasta salad made with whole wheat pasta mixed with vegetables
• Bean salads such as lentil salad, garbanzo beans, 5-bean salad
• Sandwiches – made with whole grain bread and variety of healthful fillings (keep in mind individual preferences: have some vegetarian, some meat, tuna fish, and so on)
• Breakfast cereals (hot and cold) serve with low-fat/ fat-free milk or soy milk
• Granola – can be served with yogurt and/ or fruit to make parfaits
• Provide fat-free, low-fat, low-sodium foods and beverages:
• Fat-free or low-fat dressing. Oil and vinegar is always a healthy choice
• Low-fat desserts such as angel food cake or fresh fruit
• Low-fat or fat-free skim milk
• Low-fat or fat-free yogurt
• Unsalted pretzels, popcorn or baked chips
• Serve small bottles of water or seltzer instead of soda. You may want to get water pitchers that you can refill for all meetings and events.

• Include smaller portions such as mini-muffins, mini-bagels (or cut regular bagels into halves or quarters) and cheese cut in 1-inch big pieces
• For long meetings, consider only offering beverages at mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks
• Top pizza with vegetables of choice (such as spinach, mushrooms, garlic, broccoli, onions, peppers) and light on the cheese or plain pizza with light cheese

Waste Prevention Program

You Hold the Power to Prevent Waste! In 2003, the EPA estimated that Americans threw away over 55 BILLION pounds of food! C.R.O.W.N. and the Columbia Food Sustainability Project (CFSP) have teamed up to help the Columbia Community do its part in reducing this waste. As we spread the word about the benefits of preventing food waste, you may be surprised to learn that it not only helps the environment, but ultimately allows you to live a healthier and more socially responsible lifestyle, while enjoying better quality food. Through our Waste Prevention Program, you hold the power to Stop Hunger, Save the Earth, Eat Healthy and Enjoy Great Food!

And the good news is that exercising your power is easy now that John Jay Dining Hall is self-serve. Here's how you can help prevent waste:

• Remember a second helping is always an option, so don't pile it on your first time around
• Decide what you want to eat before loading up your plate - either take a quick look around or check out the menus online before you come in
• Pay attention to what's left on your plate when you discard it - chances are you'll be surprised at how much is being wasted

More information about our "You Hold the Power to Prevent Waste!" program can be found in the dining hall and around campus, or you can email dining-nutrition@columbia.edu with any questions.

Local Food and Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives

Columbia Supports Local Economy and Sustainable Practices!  Dining Services supports the local economy by purchasing locally produced and manufactured products. Look for local products and locally based meals in John Jay Dining Hall and be sure to check out all our  GREEN INITIATIVES!