On World Food Day, the University of Edinburgh received a nutritious food award from RaisingNutrition for their commitment to ensuring students have easy access to sustainable and healthy food options.
Edinburgh is the first higher education institution in the UK to receive a national award for nutritious food.
The university was praised for its versatile and colourful food options, as well as for reducing the portion sizes and availability of unhealthy items.
The university is dedicated to sustainable sourcing of seasonal and local Scottish produce, reducing its environmental impact and supporting local Scottish businesses.
Jenna Mosimann, CEO of RaisingNutrition stated:
“The University of Edinburgh is showing how institutions can lead the way towards a better food future.
“By making healthier food the norm, they are supporting student wellbeing today and shaping healthier habits for tomorrow.”
A student who previously resided at the university’s first-year catered accommodation, Pollock Halls, spoke to The Student:
“There were options to be healthy and achieve a balanced diet, however in terms of wholefoods and the quality of the meals, it sometimes felt lacking. There were many unhealthy and fried food options as well.”
Another student pointed out that for on-campus meals, “whilst the options are healthy the prices themselves are absurd.”
As students already face the financial struggles of rent and cost of living, the price of this healthy lifestyle may seem unattainable to some.
Image by Ulia Makoveeva for The Student