Dear Editor:
Since the beginning of my university days, I have never seen an election that has attracted more attention than the current Student Executive. The Student Union also had a wonderful turnout on the Bus Pass Referendum; it was a fantastic event that demonstrated how much the Student Union cares.
Despite this positive initiative, there are a few suggestions that I have and would like to see changed before I graduate; these issues have been a problem since I have came to UNB.
I am currently a third year kinesiology student. I have had the opportunity to evaluate McConnell Hall with regards to my Health Promotion course; such an experience was a good push in the right directions on finding ways to improve the system. I am not writing simply to say Sodexo is not doing a good job, but I believe there are several ways it can improve so everyone can come and eat there and receive healthier choices.
I was able to discuss with some of the cooks; I was happy that they were very open and willing to talk with me. I discovered that special diets – vegetarian, vegan or an allergy – would mean a student would have to speak with a dietician in order to get a diet plan made for them. While this is a smart idea, other students and community people that eat there occasionally are not covered for their special diets; this includes me. I eat at McConnell Hall occasionally and I am a vegan; my options there are very limited.
During the Student Union general election campaigns, I noticed – for the first time – that one of the candidates was advocating improved, healthier and more affordable food. The candidate believed that properly nourishing student bodies plays an important part in academic success and that students need a wider selection of healthier choices in regards to food at UNB. This was first time that someone was promoting this issue in their campaign and I thought it was a smart idea.
I hope that the student council next year finds someone to help with this idea while getting some representation on the Wellness Community; the vision of the Wellness Community is “to foster an environment where personal growth, healthy choices, and positive community values are encouraged.”
The campus Wellness Program empowers the UNB community to incorporate healthful practices into their daily lives. All that is needed now is to have more access to healthy choices on campus; I know when I am hungry while at the Lady Beaverbrook Gym there are only chips and cookies. It would be nice to see fruits and vegetables as a food choice while also offering them cheaper than French Fries purchased at The Grill in the Student Union Building.
Sincerely,
Kristina O’Brien
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