Stanford University offers a comprehensive dining meal plan to its students, faculty, and staff, known as the Stanford Dining Meal Plan. This plan is designed to provide a convenient, flexible, and nutritious dining experience, with a focus on sustainability and community engagement. The meal plan is managed by Stanford Dining, which operates a variety of dining halls, cafes, and restaurants across the campus.
Overview of the Stanford Dining Meal Plan
The Stanford Dining Meal Plan is a mandatory program for undergraduate students living in residence, but it is also available to graduate students, faculty, and staff on a voluntary basis. The plan offers a range of options to suit different dietary needs and preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal meals. Students can choose from various meal plan options, including a traditional meal plan, a flex meal plan, and a commuter meal plan.
Meal Plan Options
Stanford Dining offers several meal plan options to cater to different needs and lifestyles. These options include:
- Traditional Meal Plan: This plan provides a set number of meals per week, which can be used at any of the dining halls or cafes.
- Flex Meal Plan: This plan provides a flexible number of meals per week, which can be used at any of the dining halls or cafes, as well as at participating off-campus restaurants.
- Commuter Meal Plan: This plan is designed for students who live off-campus and provides a limited number of meals per week, which can be used at any of the dining halls or cafes.
The meal plans are priced based on the number of meals per week, with options ranging from 10 to 19 meals per week. The prices for the meal plans vary depending on the number of meals and the type of plan chosen.
Dining Locations and Hours
Stanford Dining operates a variety of dining locations across the campus, including:
- Dining halls: Stanford has several dining halls, including Arrillaga, Florence Moore, and Lagunita, which offer a range of cuisines and dining options.
- Cafes: Stanford has several cafes, including the Stanford Cafe, the Law Cafe, and the Business Cafe, which offer a range of coffee, snacks, and light meals.
- Restaurants: Stanford has several restaurants, including the Stanford Restaurant, the Faculty Club, and the Golf Course Restaurant, which offer a range of dining options, from casual to formal.
The dining locations are open at various hours throughout the day, with some locations open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while others are open only for limited hours. Students can check the Stanford Dining website for the most up-to-date information on dining location hours and menus.
Eat Well Guide
Stanford Dining is committed to providing healthy and sustainable dining options, and has developed an Eat Well Guide to help students make informed choices about their diet. The guide provides information on healthy eating, including tips on choosing nutritious foods, managing portion sizes, and staying hydrated.
Nutrition and Wellness
Stanford Dining offers a range of nutritious and delicious options, including:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains and lean proteins
- Low-fat dairy products and healthy fats
- Plant-based options and vegan meals
Stanford Dining also offers a range of resources and services to support students’ nutrition and wellness needs, including:
- Nutrition counseling: Stanford Dining offers one-on-one nutrition counseling with registered dietitians to help students develop a personalized eating plan.
- Meal planning: Stanford Dining provides meal planning resources and tools to help students plan healthy and balanced meals.
- Food allergy support: Stanford Dining offers support and resources for students with food allergies and intolerances, including gluten-free, vegan, and halal options.
| Nutrient | Recommended Daily Intake |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1,600-2,400 per day |
| Protein | 46-56 grams per day |
| Fat | 44-77 grams per day |
| Carbohydrates | 130-210 grams per day |
| Fiber | 25-30 grams per day |
Sustainability and Community Engagement
Stanford Dining is committed to sustainability and community engagement, and has implemented a range of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and support local communities. These initiatives include:
- Sourcing local and sustainable ingredients
- Reducing food waste and composting
- Using energy-efficient equipment and practices
- Supporting local farmers and food producers
Stanford Dining also partners with local organizations and community groups to support food security and nutrition education initiatives, including:
- Food banks and pantries
- Community gardens and urban agriculture projects
- Nutrition education programs and cooking classes
What are the different meal plan options available to students?
+Stanford Dining offers several meal plan options, including a traditional meal plan, a flex meal plan, and a commuter meal plan. Students can choose the plan that best fits their needs and lifestyle.
How can I make healthy and sustainable food choices using the Eat Well Guide?
+The Eat Well Guide provides tips and recommendations for making healthy and sustainable food choices, including choosing nutritious foods, managing portion sizes, and staying hydrated. Students can also consult with registered dietitians and nutrition counselors for personalized advice.
What sustainability initiatives has Stanford Dining implemented?
+Stanford Dining has implemented a range of sustainability initiatives, including sourcing local and sustainable ingredients, reducing food waste and composting, using energy-efficient equipment and practices, and supporting local farmers and food producers.
