LMU Dining's Campus-Based Wellness Challenge: Embracing Vegan Delights

Loyola Marymount University (LMU) has always been committed to fostering a healthy and sustainable campus environment. In a bold move toward promoting plant-based lifestyles, LMU Dining Services recently organized a week-long wellness challenge at the heart of the campus – Modern Recipe at the Lair Marketplace. This initiative aimed to showcase the diverse and delicious vegan and plant-based options available, encouraging students to explore healthier, more sustainable food choices.

Modern Recipe: The Epicenter of Culinary Innovation On Campus

Modern Recipe, located within the vibrant Lair Marketplace, became the focal point for the wellness challenge. Boasting an array of culinary delights, the venue featured a carefully curated menu that highlighted the best of vegan and plant-based cuisine. The challenge featured three to four exceptional menu items each day, designed to tantalize taste buds and challenge preconceived notions about plant-based dining.

The week kicked off with a culinary explosion, featuring the Mediterranean Falafel Bowl for lunch and the Chili Lime Jackfruit Mackerel Bowl for dinner. The Mediterranean Falafel Bowl boasted a delightful mix of crisp falafel, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of tahini, showcasing the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. In the evening, the Chili Lime Jackfruit Mackerel Bowl took center stage, offering a zesty and tropical twist to traditional plant-based options, with jackfruit mimicking the texture of mackerel.

The second day of the challenge featured a Roasted Cauliflower Bowl for lunch, starring caramelized cauliflower paired with vibrant, nutrient-packed ingredients. An Acai Berry Bowl offered a refreshing blend of berries and other superfoods. For a satisfying dinner option, the Harissa Cauliflower Flatbread demonstrated the versatility of cauliflower, spiced up with the bold flavors of harissa.

Midweek brought an enticing combination of the Roasted Tofu and Edamame Hummus Bowl for lunch. This protein-packed dish aimed to dispel myths about the blandness of plant-based proteins. Brunch featured the Just Egg Omelet, a perfect plant-based alternative to traditional omelets, proving that the texture and taste could be just as delightful without eggs.

As the week progressed, Thursday's offerings included the hearty Black Bean and Chickpea Burger hot off the grill, proving that plant-based burgers could compete with their meaty counterparts. For a crispy and satisfying dinner, Crispy Incogmeato Tenders provided a crunchy alternative to the traditional chicken tenders, highlighting the diversity of plant-based options available.

The challenge wrapped up with Friday's comfort food choices. The Tomato Bisque Soup offered a warm and savory conclusion to the week, providing a classic favorite in a vegan twist. To sweeten the deal, Strawberry Smoothies provided a refreshing and fruity option, proving that vegan beverages could be just as indulgent and delicious.

To incentivize participation and reward students for embracing the plant-based challenge, each purchase of a featured menu item earned them a raffle ticket. The grand prizes, including a Cruiser bike and helmet, AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro (sponsored by Grubhub), garnered significant interest, with a total of 309 students participating in the raffle.

LMU Dining's A+ Recognition:

The wellness challenge not only showcased the culinary creativity at Modern Recipe but also highlighted LMU Dining Service's commitment to expanding and enhancing vegan menu options on campus. The efforts were reinforced by the prestigious A+ rating from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), solidifying LMU's position as a leader in providing diverse, delicious, and ethical dining options.

LMU Dining Service's week-long wellness challenge at Modern Recipe not only tantalized taste buds but also served as a testament to the growing popularity and innovation within the realm of plant-based cuisine.

By offering a diverse menu and promoting a healthier lifestyle, LMU continues to lead the way in creating a campus dining experience that is both ethical and enjoyable. The success of the challenge and the campus-wide recognition from PETA underscore the positive impact that embracing vegan and plant-based options can have on both individuals and the community as a whole.