College students are supposed to be content with warmed-up pizza and confounding-looking mashed potatoes, but with the advent of amateur food blogs and intense interest in whole and organic cooking, even the 18-24 set is looking to eat better. The trouble, of course, lies in the fact that for on-campus students, a food budget has already been pre-paid by parents and can only be redeemed in the form of cafeteria food. And while some college dining halls are considerably healthier, tastier and offer more variety than others, there are only so many options for you to pick from when you’re eating three meals a day, plus snacks, for as long as you live on campus. If you don’t live off campus or have finally moved off, your budget is probably even more miniscule and rigid. How can you be a college foodie with so many restrictions?
First, realize that being a foodie does not justify eating out every night or spending exorbitant amounts of money on food. Foodies work with their own budgets and lifestyles while pursuing a genuine interest in food culture, nutrition, gardening and production, and experimenting with recipes. Focus your foodie spirit on education, and explore the seemingly unending amount of food blogs online (they’re free!) The best foodie blogs include dazzling photos of food and will help you learn about food pairings, substitutes, food and travel, food from around the world, and preparing foods. Television shows on the Food Network, Travel Channel and new Cooking Channel also serve to educate you on the history of food and eating, and introduce you to new ingredients and food cultures.
Being a foodie means really understanding food and learning about food, but you of course want to be able to enjoy it, too. To mesh your interest with your budget, opt for cooking meals rather than eating out. It’s cheaper to find your own ingredients at the grocery store, farmer’s market or by joining a community garden. Grow your own herbs and vegetables on your balcony if you have space, and invite friends to help you in the dorm kitchen or at someone’s apartment so that you can split the cost. Making food yourself is also more fun, and your hands-on experience trains you better, too. A monthly dinner party can be a great way to put all of your reading into practice, and satisfy your desire for something truly delicious and unique.