Health programs promoting moderation when piling hamburgers and chicken nuggets on cafeteria dinner plates this semester have undergone slight changes.
The New American Plate program continues in campus cafeterias this semester minus part of its original display.
"The program was introduced in the fall as a result of a student survey," said Sharron Frucci, menu coordinator for Housing and Food Services.
"Students said they didn't feel that the cafeterias offered healthy food," she said.
"But this shows that everything is healthy in the right amount."
The New American Plate, founded by the American Institute for Cancer Research, originally provided a plate with a daily display of dietary guidelines to show how to enjoy all foods in sensible portions and flyers about the "freshman 15," nutrition myths and other health topics.
The actual portion plate was cut from the display this semester to make room for new displays, but the information pamphlets remain.
Under the New American Plate, students are advised to fill two-thirds of their plates with plant-based foods and the rest with animal protein.
Olin Health Center dietitian Ronda Bokram said the display is intended to increase health awareness of students and take a look at what's on their plate.
"The whole balance part of the American Plate is that all foods can fit into it," she said. "You can eat fat and it can be done with foods in the cafeteria."
But psychology senior Julia Szybowicz said she never followed the display's guidelines because she's following her own health plan.
"I remember looking at it and I thought there was no way I could do it the way they said," she said. "Personally, I think that students are going to do what they want. I don't think very many people paid attention to it."
Marketing sophomore Evan Helms said he never noticed the display.
"I just eat what I want," he said. "Whatever sounds good."
Monthly articles will continue to compliment the New American Plate campaign focusing on eating disorders, dieting and overall fitness.
"This is a good way of eating," Frucci said. "You just have to know how much of what items you can eat."
