Hello, my name is Brianna Ray and I am a distance intern in Denver, Colorado currently in my Food Service Rotation at the University of Denver. During my time here I have learned so much about all the “behind the scenes” of food service operations. I have learned how to manage a multi-thousand dollar budget, count and order inventory, schedule and manage employees, work with other departments to achieve a desired goal, and so much more.
I recently completed my Retail Marketing and Wellness Project. My preceptor and I chose to do a themed, two week-long event for the Muslim student population on campus who were practicing Ramadan. There was a need on campus for late-night dining hours where these students in particular could go to break their fast. It is especially crucial during this time of year for students to nourish and fuel their bodies appropriately since they are preparing to take their final exams.
For the Ramadan event, in order to ensure that everyone on campus was well represented and felt included, I researched twenty-nine different countries that had a strong representation of a Muslim population. From there, I researched traditional dishes served in each country and various specialty foods used to break ones fast during the Ramadan season. From the information I gathered, I created a menu with ten different recipes per day that highlighted a different region. As I was researching different recipes, I realized how prominent of a role that spices had in all of these dishes. I decided to choose the most commonly used spices and spice blends amongst the recipes to develop my nutrition intervention.
During the event I was available to the students to talk about the benefits of using spices in a healthy diet. I created a display board and handouts that students could read and learn from as well. Many of the students were delighted to see some of their favorite spices represented on the board and in the meals we prepared each night. They shared with me some of the ways their families utilize the spices in traditional dishes back home.
For being the first Ramadan event held in the dining hall at the University of Denver, we received very positive feedback overall. The Muslim population was very appreciative of all our hard-work and the steps that we took to make their religious practice so special during their stressful exam schedule.
I recently completed my Retail Marketing and Wellness Project. My preceptor and I chose to do a themed, two week-long event for the Muslim student population on campus who were practicing Ramadan. There was a need on campus for late-night dining hours where these students in particular could go to break their fast. It is especially crucial during this time of year for students to nourish and fuel their bodies appropriately since they are preparing to take their final exams.
For the Ramadan event, in order to ensure that everyone on campus was well represented and felt included, I researched twenty-nine different countries that had a strong representation of a Muslim population. From there, I researched traditional dishes served in each country and various specialty foods used to break ones fast during the Ramadan season. From the information I gathered, I created a menu with ten different recipes per day that highlighted a different region. As I was researching different recipes, I realized how prominent of a role that spices had in all of these dishes. I decided to choose the most commonly used spices and spice blends amongst the recipes to develop my nutrition intervention.
During the event I was available to the students to talk about the benefits of using spices in a healthy diet. I created a display board and handouts that students could read and learn from as well. Many of the students were delighted to see some of their favorite spices represented on the board and in the meals we prepared each night. They shared with me some of the ways their families utilize the spices in traditional dishes back home.
For being the first Ramadan event held in the dining hall at the University of Denver, we received very positive feedback overall. The Muslim population was very appreciative of all our hard-work and the steps that we took to make their religious practice so special during their stressful exam schedule.
