With little time to consider meals and limited choices, counting calories as a college student can be a challenge. Schulze cafeteria has implemented a new program designed to help students meet special dietary needs.

A kiosk is now at the front of the cafeteria that features a Powerpoint display with nutritional facts along with information about eating disorders.

Cards above different food stations display the calories of each meal and other indicators, such as low carb, whole grain and baked options rather than fried.

Future plans include educating incoming freshmen about the nutritional opportunities on campus. According to Brook Sebren, of Student Auxiliary Services, ULM hopes to make nutrition a part of the University Seminar class by next fall.

These changes came at the suggestion of Aramark’s new marketing staff member, Daniela Smallwood. With four years of experience in the West Texas market, Smallwood hopes to get students more engaged and to educate them on healthy eating options available through ULM dining facilities.

“To me the most important part of implementing this is giving our students and our customers the power of choice— to choose what’s right for them and for their lifestyle. You can make a better choice when you’re educated,” she said.

Schulze’s manager, Darryl Breaux, is also available to help students with unique diets. According to Breaux, meals for students with dietary restrictions or specifications can be prepared.

Smallwood described the kiosk as a place for students to learn healthy eating tips and advice on staying healthy. In the future, “tabling events” will take place with someone there to interact with students with nutritional games and facts, as well as displays reflecting a healthier diet.  There is also a poster to show students what the nutrition cards on display look like as well as what information they offer.