10 Questions with Acadia’s On-Site Dietitian
By Angel Percentie
Angel Percentie (she/her) is a fourth-year English honours student who loves getting involved on campus. She is a resident assistant, peer writing tutor, student content creator, and editor of Estuary, Acadia’s creative arts magazine.
You’ve seen Vogue’s 73 Questions with A-list celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Margot Robbie, and Zendaya. What about the questions you have here on campus? Our team interviewed Acadia alum Paula Farrell (‘20) and our newest dietitian. Paula’s given us the inside scoop on the latest improvements to the dining experience.
If you’re like me and you love having a bit of insider knowledge, stick around as we ask Paula everything fun, fresh, and new about Wheelock Dining Hall.
The New Allergen Station
Q: What is the new Allergen Aware Station in Wheelock Dining Hall?
A: At this station, students can customize their own meals while having more access to variety. Everything that enters this station is made without the top 11 allergens, and we’ve included gluten in that as well.
Any students who have allergies or intolerances can come to this station, fill out our form, and have their nutritional needs met by our highly trained staff.
Q: What if someone has celiac disease?
A: We have a gluten-sensitive area reserved for gluten-free products and appliances, including a toaster and fridge, along with a variety of cereals, bagels, and bread. So, if you’re celiac, there are lots of options for breakfast, and when it’s time for lunch or dinner, you can come on over and chat with our chef, and he will prepare a gluten-free meal for you.
Q: What makes the Allergen Aware Station unique?
A: The main thing that makes this station so unique is that it removes the barrier between the student and the chef. Now the students can communicate what they need directly to the chef.
Fun Fact: This station is also one of the only sites in Atlantic Canada that has a dietitian working on staff. And Paula’s here to help students who have sensitivities or intolerances navigate their nutritional needs.
Q: Are there any halal options?
A: If you’re a student who follows a halal diet for religious reasons, there are lots of options here. Previously, we would only offer the halal burgers and one choice during each of the meal periods. But now you can come over to our main kitchen area, where we have halal meat on demand.
Changes to MyPantry
Q: Paula, what’s the MyPantry Station?
A: The MyPantry Station is just what it sounds like. It’s a pantry designed for students by students. We carry tons of fresh ingredients here, in our fridge. We are fully stocked with fresh vegetables, lots of different meats, there’s pasta, and there’s rice. Anything you could want or need to create your own meal.
Q: What changes have been recently made to MyPantry?
A: The major change was that we made the pantry wheelchair accessible. It’s nice and wide now. Lots of space to move around. We also made sure that the counters were lowered so that students in wheelchairs can use the cooktop. We also added a popcorn machine, a pancake machine, and a waffle machine.
A little about Paula… and her cooking practices
Q: Why did you go into the food industry?
A: I’ve always been a major foodie. I love experimenting with food and trying new things, and I’m a highly organised person who’s always looking for efficiencies, so working in the food industry was kind of a no-brainer for me.
Q: What’s your favourite meal to cook?
A: I would say that my favourite meal to cook would have to be pasta. It’s a very hearty and delicious meal. It can be quick and easy, and when you’re heating up the herbs and the oil in the pan, it almost feels like aromatherapy.
Q: What is the biggest food myth you hear all the time?
A: The biggest food myth I hear all the time is that all processed foods are bad for you. There are lots of processing methods, like freezing and canning that don’t really alter the nutrition profile of the food. So, if you’re buying frozen fruits and vegetables, it’s just as healthy as eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
Q: Is there anything else you wish our students and employees knew?
A: There is a dietitian working here at Wheelock Dining Hall, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 5:00. You don’t have to be sick to benefit from seeing a dietitian. I want to support you and your wellness journey with information that you can take with you and even beyond Acadia.
If you have questions about the stations, you can reach out to Paula by e-mail, phone, or by stopping by the dining hall. You can also contact Laura Miller, who’s the director and manager of dining hall services.
Paula’s email: dietitian@acadiau.ca
Paula’s phone number: 902-670-9584
Laura’s email: laura.miller@acadiau.ca