Sarena C Glenn, RD, LDN, MS – Campus Dietitian umbcrd@umbc.edu  

Your son or daughter can start the day with fresh cut seasonal fruit, yogurt, and their choice of eggs scrambled, sunny side-up or omelet style made with eggs whites or whole eggs. Yum! Your child has his or her choice of omelet fillings such as fresh baby spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and peppers, in addition to hot or cold whole grain breakfast cereals, and Belgian waffles made to order. He or she can take a piece of fruit with them on their way out of True Grit’s as a snack for later. Lunch and dinner could be their choice of over 20 different fresh vegetables, hot entrees, which include lean proteins, whole grains, hot sautéed vegetables, hot soups one of which is always vegetarian, pizza station that includes thin crust pizza, and sandwiches made to order which include your choice of whole grain breads. We have over 15 different events each semester, which includes a National Nutrition Month celebration where your son or daughter can create their own grain bowl or enjoy our vegetarian/vegan specials on meatless Mondays. Providing nutritious well-balanced meals that offer the convenience of not having to cook, shop, or drive and a cashless service that is money saving and budget friendly is the commitment of Chartwells.

Our wellness initiatives implemented on campus through our Balance U program identifies and labels within our menus: Balanced, Sustainable, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Avoiding Gluten. “These items are labeled through our Dineoncampus Website, Dineoncampus App, LCD screens, iPad Kiosk in True Grits, and labeled at the point of service or on the packaged item,” explains Chartwells marketing director Mark Tarkanick.  “Balance U is supported by our tremendous resources which includes our Campus Executive Chef Kevin Werner, and Registered Dietitian Sarena Glenn as a guide to healthy eating on campus”. How can students take advantage of these opportunities? Mark describes Chartwells dining options, “Students living on campus prefer the 225 Block and the Ultimate meal plans. The 225-meal plan is popular due to students managing their allotment of meals over the 16-week semester and ability to use multiple meals in True Grit’s. The Ultimate meal plan allows for unlimited access to True Grit’s and having the ability to dine anytime on campus with friends from the residence halls, classrooms, and student groups”. The Flexible Plans (14&10) are popular as well. “The Flexible meal plans allow your son or daughter to use their allotted meals anytime,” explains Mark. Is your child a commuter? “Commuter students love the 50 block plan, a small commitment that saves them time and money”. So the next time you wonder “Is my child eating well balanced meals?” feel free to put yourself at ease by enrolling your child in our program, a place where hungry minds gather.