With its new program, Gator Dining is taking a bite of healthier eating choices.
Vegan Days with Chef Johnny Ho, which started earlier this month, is a series of demonstrations taught by a chef who specializes in vegan cooking.
“It’s great when students can learn a new skill, such as cooking, and get excited about nourishing their bodies,” said Janis Mena, a dietician at the Student Health Care Center.
Every Wednesday, Gator Dining customers can attend a cooking demonstration in the residential dining halls. From 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., customers can eat vegan food while learning how to make new dishes they can try at home.
The program alternates between Gator Corner Dining Center and the Fresh Food Company.
“It’s important that we provide many choices to satisfy all of our guests including faculty and staff,” Jill Rodriguez, district marketing manager for Gator Dining Services, wrote in an email.
Leah Chapman, sustainability coordinator for Gator Dining Services, wrote in an email that Gator Dining strives to accommodate a wide range of diets and lifestyles, and they have options available to satisfy vegan dieters.
Some of the dining options include portobello mushroom risotto, teriyaki tofu with basmati rice, bean and arugula pasta and Moroccan vegetable stew.
“Learning to cook from a chef’s vegetarian dishes is a great thing for students to take advantage of,” Mena said.
