Just when we thought the halls of the Reitz Union couldn't fit anymore cholesterol, Papa John's was announced to be the latest addition to the fast food mecca last week.
We already have Taco Bell, Cheeburger Cheeburger and Pollo Tropical in the student union. Instead of adding another restaurant, Aramark might as well build a machine to inject trans fat into students' veins. At least they wouldn't have to pay employee wages.
Papa John's was chosen because students expressed a desire for an on-campus pizza place, according to the executive director of the Reitz Union.
However, Pollo Tropical, which was opened during Summer B, replaced Capeesh Italian Restaurant, a pizza restaurant that also offered healthy alternatives like salad. Now UF is bringing another restaurant to campus that doesn't offer any alternatives to typical fast food garbage.
Healthy Gators 2010, a coalition of students, faculty and staff, makes creating a healthier campus its mission. Where are they when it comes to advocating a healthy on-campus restaurant? Under the nutrition section of their Web site, the group offers links to programs like Weight Watchers and a "holiday recipe book." Nowhere does the site mention that the restaurants on the UF campus offer menu items such as the 863-calorie TropiChop from Pollo Tropical.
It seems like Healthy Gators should focus on preventing obesity and health-related diseases by advocating for healthier on-campus restaurants rather than merely offering a way to burn off meals from Pollo and suggesting food items to eat when school is not in session.
