Week 3

Hello again,

This week started with a holiday (Labor Day) which means it was a short week. Still there was lots to get done. I started my week working on projects for the Food Allergy Fair coming up next Thursday. There is a lot of planning and organization that goes into and event like this: making signs, creating handouts, ordering food, ect.

Additionally, this week I had the opportunity to go to Cate. Even though Cate food services has shut down Housing & Food services is still using the kitchen. This is where  all of the premade meals you see around campus for Cow on the Fly are prepared.  I had fun working with the staff and helping to prepare some of the items for the days deliveries. Located just north of Cate is the freight farm.

Freight Farm

I had the privilege of getting a private tour and learn about the freight farm first hand! This freight farm was installed two years ago and was the first one of its kind in Oklahoma. Right now the freight farm is used mostly to produce green leafy vegetables and herbs. The freight farm was designed for sustainability and is able to recycle water used to irrigate the plants.
Look for these leafy greens at the Cross salad bar coming soon!

I ended the week learning how Freshens, Couch Express and Xcetera are manged and the different needs they meet on campus. I was excited to see that all the smoothies at Freshens are gluten free (even the chocolate chip cookie dough). In addition, different blenders are used for smoothies containing peanut butter (peanut butter is is also kept away from the rest of the ingredients) to avoid cross-contact for people with peanut allergies. Couch Express is a very popular place for grilling cheese sandwiches and fresh cookies on the south side of campus. I even had the opportunity to learn how to make these popular grilled cheese sandwiches! Xcetera, a convenience store located on the first floor of Walker Tower has a diverse selection of convenience foods and household necessities. I was excited to see an assortment of gluten free options from snacks, bread, and frozen meals alon with shelves of Made in Oklahoma products (see pictures below). Xcetera strives to have food available to meet the needs of all students. While here I learned a lot about putting out fires and behind the scenes work that goes into managing these establishments (budgeting, scheduling, maintenance, training, and other paperwork).

 



I am excited to apply the knowledge I have learned thus far to the allergy Free booths we will be presenting around campus next week!