Foods and Drinks at Baruch’s Convocation Block Party

 

On August 27, 2013, Baruch College held its annual ‘Convocation Day’. During this event, incoming freshmen were formally welcomed to the school by administrators, greeted by Karen Thompson Walker (author of our summer reading, The Age of Miracles), and shown of the importance of creating an environmentally friendly campus. In addition, after meeting our peer mentor and our Freshman Seminar instructor, we participated in a scavenger hunt and the hypnotist show. However, the most memorable part of the day for most students was the ‘Convocation Block Party’ on the plaza. Hosted by the Office of Student life, the party’s theme this year was “Experience Baruch: We Are Community, Diversity, and Opportunity.” It was here where incoming freshmen were able to learn about and sign up for Baruch’s many student clubs and organizations. Amongst the brochures and sign up sheets, an abundant amount of foods and drinks were also provided. Some of the foods available were burgers, hot dogs, grilled corn smothered with butter, and chocolate desserts while drink choices included iced tea and lemonade.  It was obvious that almost all of the foods and drinks served were not of the healthiest choices. Instead, they were filled with fat, carbohydrates, sugar, and oil. It is important to note that most of these foods and drinks have now been associated with the types of foods and drinks commonly served at summer celebrations and barbecues. However, we must remember that these foods and drinks are not beneficial for our health and should only be consumed in moderation. Hopefully, as we continue to learn more about the effects of the foods and drinks we consume, schools around the country will be more inclined to provide healthier choices for future block parties and festivities and create more opportunities for their students to initiate healthier lifestyles.