Smartphone App Connects College Students with Healthy Meal Choices

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for back-to-school, busy college students on the go can now quickly and easily check out their campus dining hall menu, find nutrition information, provide feedback and more—all with a click of their Smartphone.  ARAMARK, a leader in providing dining and facilities management services to hundreds of Higher Education institutions across North America, has launched its CampusDish® Mobile App to assist over 1.7 million students in making healthy, informed meal selections.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110907/PH63208LOGO)

According to DiningStyles™, ARAMARK's proprietary consumer insights research which surveys over 120,000 students each fall and spring semester, 75% of students consider themselves healthy. Nearly two thirds of these students review nutrition labels to help select their meals and over 50% prefer to go online to locate nutritional information. 

To help students find nutrition information quickly and easily, the new CampusDish® app is currently available for free download in the iPhone, iPad, and Android app stores. The app makes it easy for students to search for meals meeting specific nutrition requirements further promoting healthy eating habits. For instance, if a student is looking for a meal with less than 500 calories or less than 10 grams of fat, he or she can input the information through the app and quickly view which menu items are being served and where they are available.

"ARAMARK is excited to connect our students, customers and clients with information that will help them make healthy lifestyle choices," said Jenifer Bland-Campbell, RD, Senior Director of Nutrition Program Development, ARAMARK. "By supporting students' efforts to develop and maintain healthy eating habits, the CampusDish® Mobile App further strengthens our commitment to health and wellness while also enhancing the overall campus dining experience."

In addition to posting the nutrition content for the menu items being offered, this new app allows students to submit feedback about the dining program, offer suggestions and ask questions, as well as share the app with friends through a simple click.

ARAMARK is committed to providing its campus partners with the tools needed to support healthy choices as well as meeting the dietary and lifestyle needs and preferences of its customers.  Menus feature lower calorie choices; vegan, vegetarian and whole grain options; seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables; and a variety of whole foods that are raised, grown, harvested, and produced locally and in a sustainable manner. ARAMARK also provides support to those with specific dietary needs, including food allergies and sensitivities.

To download the CampusDish® Mobile App, click on the desired format below:

• iPhone
• iPad
• Android

About ARAMARK Higher Education
ARAMARK Higher Education is dedicated to excellence in dining, facility, conference center, and stadium and arena services. ARAMARK enhances the living and learning experience and environment for more than 600 colleges and universities throughout North America.  For more information and a list of our services, visit www.aramarkhighered.com.

About ARAMARK
ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. The company is recognized as one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by the Ethisphere Institute, one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" by FORTUNE magazine and one of America's Largest Private Companies by both FORTUNE and Forbes magazines. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 250,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at www.twitter.com/aramarknews.

SOURCE ARAMARK