MEDIA, Pa. — Penn State Brandywine’s campus dining options are expanding this fall with new offerings that bring a variety of cultural cuisines to campus while creating a space where all students can feel at home and experience new foods.
The Blue Apple Café, located in the Student Union, now offers halal dishes, which are foods permissible under Islamic law.
Elizabeth Kearns, director of housing and food services, said her team wanted to make changes to the menu to ensure all students have access to food that meets their dietary and religious needs.
“This year, we wanted to set things up so that things that used to be exceptions are now standards,” Kearns said. “No one's religious beliefs should be an inconvenience when they're waiting to get their food.”
The housing and food services team worked throughout the summer to ensure the new options would be available to students when they returned to campus for the fall semester.
Upon entering the Blue Apple Café, students will find kiosks that offer the option to create their own halal bowl. The bowls include a choice of rice or greens as a base; chicken, beef or falafel protein; a dozen toppings; and multiple sauces, all of which meet halal requirements.
“We made a really conscious effort with our menu this year to pick the things that are loved and needed in the community,” Kearns said.
She also added that the new offerings are not limited to students who follow Islamic dietary practices. Kearns mentioned the meals have also been popular among other students, including campus athletes, because of their high protein content.
The overall response to the new additions has been positive, with Kearns saying sales have been strong, and student feedback has been encouraging.
“I think our team did a really good job listening this past year, which is a huge part of success in serving students,” Kearns said.
Brandywine is now the fourth Penn State campus to offer halal-based dishes, joining Harrisburg, Behrend and University Park.
The addition marks another step in Brandywine’s ongoing efforts to make campus more welcoming and inclusive for all students.