University’s healthy food policy is first of its kind in Kentucky

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — During an average lunch period, 900 students, faculty and staff buy a meal at the food court in NKU’s Student Union.  That’s not to mention the 2,000 or more meals served in the residential dining halls every day.  These are just some of the people that benefit from NKU’s healthy food policy, the only policy of its kind in the state of Kentucky.

Melissa Pompa, residential district manager of Chartwells, the company that provides all the food services for NKU, said that healthy food is “a no-brainer.”  

“We are a food services company; obviously we’re here to serve our clients,” Pompa said.  “Health and wellness is part of food; it’s part of what Chartwells does.”  

The policy is designed to promote healthy food options and provide education about eating healthy.  

“It is our responsibility as a university to educate people on healthier choices,” Employee Wellness Manager Kim Baker said.  

The healthy food policy was designed by the Wellness Department to supplement Chartwells’ existing healthy food program.  

“I think it is a need across any college campus to make sure that people have access to healthy foods,” Baker said.

Under the policy, every food station must serve at least one ‘Healthy U’ food option. In addition, all events with catered food must include a healthy option and 30 percent of vending machine items must be healthy.  Finally, the nutritional value and allergen content of all foods must be clearly labeled.   Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are also marked as such.