Penn State’s University Park campus has come a long way with its culinary options. In 2017, Pure, a wholly kosher and allergen-free (and the only of its kind) option on campus opened. Yet, students living and studying on campus have very limited options if their dietary needs consist of vegetarian or vegan diets. VALLEY has gone out to investigate the best places vegetarian students can eat while on campus.
Eating vegetarian on campus can be challenging, especially for students who can’t always cook and utilize a student meal plan. Arpita Jain, a second-year economics major, is vegetarian. Jain, who does not eat eggs, notes that she has very limited culinary options on campus. The East halls and South halls food districts are particularly notorious for their minimal choices and little variety. She highlights that the options that do exist in these buffets are often unhealthy (like hash browns), or outright unappetizing (like unripe fruit).
Where to Eat
Jain recommends students check out Waring Square Buffet in the West Food District — or even the Pollock Commons buffet — as they offer more choices for a more balanced meal. Waring Square in particular has a variety of vegetarian options in their entrée menu, as well as an area designated for such options. Moreover, Urban Garden at Southside buffet is a good option for lunch, while Bowls at East are good for breakfast during the weekday, as the buffets don’t have many healthy breakfast options that are vegetarian friendly.
Aware of these limited choices, a group of students at the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) has tasked themselves with advocating for better vegetarian options for students at Penn State.
For students with dietary restrictions or special dietary needs, Penn State offers resources to help them lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Students can meet one-on-one with a campus nutritionist to learn more about how to make healthy choices with the limited options they may encounter.
For off-campus options in State College, check out this vegetarian restaurant guide.
Let us know your go-to dining spots at on campus by tagging us on Instagram @VALLEYmag!
