The Marketplace food service in the CAW Student Centre has become just the second certified under the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s Eat Smart! workplace program, which recognizes exceptional standards for nutrition.

“It is important to provide students and staff with healthier options,” Tara Galloro, a public health dietitian, said Tuesday as she presented the Award of Excellence to Jane Meunier of Food Services. “The University is doing a good job of promoting these smarter choices to its patrons.”

Meunier said the food outlet made some changes to its operations to qualify for the certification.

“We offer more whole grains, more fresh fruits and vegetables, and menu options with lower fat, lower sodium, and lower sugar content,” she said. “Instead of just candy at the cash, we display healthier items like fruit and granola bars.”

Food Services staff had been working on earning certification since February. Galloro said it is “great” to have the Marketplace join Windsor Regional Hospital’s Ouellette campus as the only Eat Smart! certified workplaces in Windsor-Essex.

“It’s an educational tool to promote the healthier choice,” she said. “The university community is an important part of the broader community.”

Marketplace patron Keri Spencer, a fourth-year psychology student, said the new designation makes her more likely to identify and select smarter options.

“It definitely makes you want to eat here, because you know the food is good quality,” she said.