STAFF: 'My Plate' has potential if properly implemented

Part of the college experience is properly utilizing university-provided opportunities where they are available, before real life sets in and the hand-holding ceases.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dining Services' adoption of the United States Department of Agriculture's "My Plate" program, which aims to provide Americans with a simple, customizable dietary plan is one such example.

The Daily Nebraskan supports this decision by Dining Services and encourages students to give the "My Plate" model a try. It's no secret that the dietary decisions we make at age 18 or 22 will lay the groundwork for our quality of life as adults. That Dining Services is attempting to advise students on the value and specifics of a balanced diet is commendable, considering the impact it could have later in life.

That said, Dining Services should take all necessary steps to mandate that the healthy, less-processed foods aren't the least appealing options from night to night. This is a challenge, yes. It requires more effort to keep fresh spinach available than it does cookies, more effort to present fresh vegetables than french fries. But if Dining Services is truly committed to the "My Plate" program, they'll take the necessary steps to making the presentation of quality, healthy options more than a nominal effort.

opinion@dailynebraskan.com