People of Central: Grace Biju

Story and photo by: Beth Nocerini

There are 17 locations across CMUs campus including food courts, cafes and grab and go eateries. With how many options are available, you would assume students’ food and nutrients needs would be met.  

This is not the case for sophomore Grace Biju who was a vegetarian four years leading up to attending CMU. But after using the campus food services, had to go back to eating meat to attain the proper nutrients she needed.  

Biju became vegetarian for multiple reasons with one being her 4th grade teacher. “My teacher probably broke some laws, but showed us videos of how hotdogs are made and it traumatized me,” she said.   

Biju’s parents did warn and prepare her for not being able to continue being vegetarian throughout college. “I kinda figured I wouldn’t be vegetarian once I got here,” she said. 

 “Realistically, I didn’t think the dining hall is going to provide enough nutrients in the vegetarian meals outside of salads,” said Biju.  

Despite what she knew, Biju did try to continue her diet when she first started at CMU. ““For the first few weeks I would pick the meat out but then I realized I am always tired and not getting the proper nutrients I need,” said Biju.  

Biju told of one of the first days back on campus last semester and the fettuccine alfredo they served.  “They chopped up like hotdogs and put it in there,” she said.  She then suggested putting meat on the side of dishes where it is mixed all together, making meals inclusive to a wider range of students. 

“You have to buy a meal plan and it’s not optional,” said Biju. CMU does not give an option to opt out of meal plans with all of them being $3050 a semester.  

“I know students who can’t eat 90% of what is in the dining hall but still have to have a meal plan,” she said.  

Biju has concern for the students who do not eat meat for religious reasons, “I was fortunate enough to be able to switch, but I do know not everyone can,” she said. 

There are currently three meal plans for students to choose from including a number of meal swipes and flex dollars. Offered options are, unlimited, 16 or 12 meal swipes weekly. “I wish there was a 14 option, the idea of being like I don’t have access to two meals a day is scary,” said Biju. 

Biju’s main recommendation to the dining services at CMU were to serve “foods that have protein that are not just chicken and pork.”

“I like that they offer like the breakfast station that goes on all day and the salad and soup bar,” said Biju when talking about her favorite parts about the dining halls.