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Dining Services creates new YES-To-Go Program

From: Dining Services

Virginia Tech Dining Services introduced its new YES-To-Go Program of healthy to-go items this fall semester, in response to students’ requests. All items are offered at DXpress, with a smaller selection offered at Hokie Grill & Co., Shultz Express, and Vet Med Café.

According to Jenny Lindsey, administrative dietitian for Housing and Dining Services, the dining halls are offering items such as red pepper humus pitas, pecan chicken salad sandwiches, fresh honeydew fruit cups, and veggie bowls. All sandwiches are 600 calories or less so a piece of fruit or container of milk can be added to the meal and equal 700 calories or less—a healthy standard for active young adults.

Student response to the Yes-To-Go Program has been very successful. Within one week, almost 6,000 Yes-To-Go items were sold, with the most popular items being the yogurt parfait and the fresh fruit cups.

All items included in the YES-To-Go Program have no trans fat, and little if any saturated fat. All the items contain less than 30 percent of their total calories from fat. The majority of options included in the program emphasize whole grains, making them excellent sources of fiber. “The YES-To-Go Program was developed in response to student requests and surveys that asked for more healthy “grab-n-go” options, “ said Lindsey. “I’m happy it has been so well-received because it shows that students do want to eat healthier.”

The Nutrition YES program is designed to teach students to make healthier food choices. The program includes an emphasis on whole grains, locally grown foods, and more organic choices. For more information, visit the Nutrition YES program at www.studentprograms.vt.edu/yes/, or contact Jenny Lindsey at yes@vt.edu.

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