Dining Services ranked No. 7 nationally by The Daily Meal

The Daily Meal, a food and beverage website, has ranked UMass Amherst seventh among the “Best 52 Colleges for Food in America.”

 

The website evaluated the dining programs at more than 2,000 colleges and universities nationwide. Schools were graded on several criteria, including healthy food, events such as themed dinners, programs that support the community with local purchases, incorporating eco-friendly practices into the dining program, accessibility and service, and the “X Factor, something that made our jaws drop,” says the website.

 

Here’s what the site has to say: “Pork carnitas with raisin and poblano crema. Irish coffee bread pudding with Kahlúa sauce. Gold rush tomato fennel soup. Yes, this is but a sample of what UMass has to offer co-eds. Fun fact: As long as their child is on the meal plan, parents can eat with them for free in the dining hall.”

 

The Daily Meal goes on to add, “For social butterflies, this university hosts several events each semester. Last May students enjoyed the Spring Fling BBQ by filling their bellies, then burning off the calories by playing Dance Dance Revolution in the quad. Another event from last semester — Thanksgiving in April, which featured local items like apple cider, squash bisque, and of course, roasted turkey.”

 

“By bringing in guest chefs to featuring ingredients like blueberries and avocados, this college works to make food both tasty and fun,” notes the site. “Oh, and they have Baby Berk — a food truck that features burgers and tacos seven days a week.”