There is a new change at Grand Valley State University’s Campus Dining this year. Milk bottles sold with student meals have decreased in both size and price.

In previous years, Campus Dining has sold a pint of milk in 16 ounce portions – which is equal to two servings of milk – in each of its bottles at $1.69. This year, the bottles are have been reduced to a single serving half pint for 99 cents. The new bottles are a “healthy-sized portion,” said Deb Rambadt, Campus Dining marketing manager.

“In most Campus Dining restaurants, guests can choose from 16 ounce, 22 ounce or 32 ounce cups … and can choose to fill their cup with any fountain item,” she said. “If a guest would prefer milk, the single size is available.”

Registered dietician Audrey Oman said an average person is given a recommended amount of two-to-three servings of any dairy product a day.

“I agree that eight ounces of milk is a serving,” she said, “but it doesn’t seem fair to make (students) choose. Soda has zero nutritional value. Nowhere along the lines are we recommending soda at all.”

Oman said when she talks with a client about their intakes, the first thing she cuts out is the soda.

“Milk is generally healthy,” she said. “It has calories in it, yes, but milk also has protein and vitamins. Milk has a lot more to offer than soda. We don’t need soda to survive – people are perfectly fine without it.”

She also disagrees with the Campus Dining change because of lack of nutritional value and intake.

“I don’t think they should’ve cut back the milk portions without cutting back the soda portions,” she said. “I understand you save a lot of money – milk is expensive. But from a general nutrition perspective, it doesn’t seem balanced. Regular sodas add so many empty calories, whereas milk has a lot of nutritional value.”

Rambadt said she did not think the downsizing of milk had to do with the college’s budget but recommends students who want larger portions of milk to buy more at any C-store on campus or visit Fresh Food Company.

Some students, however, are outraged and confused at the downsizing of milk.

“I think it is bull,” said junior Matt Brainovich. “It is just a smaller amount for the same price. They say it’s for health benefits but they still supply the same sized pop and other drinks which cost the same too. I think they are just being cheap.”

However, not everyone feels this way. Fifth-year student Julie Coon said she appreciates the assistance in leading a healthy lifestyle.

“To me it seems like a better idea to have smaller milk jugs; all in the name of portion control,” she said. “Let’s face it – we as Americans always over consume, so maybe we should be grateful for the help.”

Oman, however, said it shouldn’t be a choice between the drink options. In order for students to avoid the dreaded freshman 15, they should be given more milk than soda.

“To me, it’s not a choice between milk and soda, those aren’t the same,” she said. “That’s like saying, ‘do you want your broccoli or your potato chips?’ We need milk, we need calcium and we need vitamin D. If you want to cut (milk) back then fine, but cut both (milk and soda) back.”

Suggestions for Campus Dining are welcomed via comment cards or online at [email protected]. Additionally, an online survey will be available in October for all members of the campus community to share overall thoughts in regard to dining at GVSU.

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