It isn’t too uncommon to hear about people wanting a “crunchier salad”. What is uncommon, however, are satisfying these cravings for a crunchy salad via insects.

Yep. That’s right. Insects.

In early October at Loyola University Chicago, students reported finding insects on the food from their university’s dining halls. Students at Loyola University Chicago were finding bugs on everything from salads to tacos, according to the school’s on-campus newspaper, The Phoenix. 

For college freshmen especially, eating food on a consistent basis that isn’t homemade is already daunting enough. Adding bugs into the mix simply amplifies this feeling. 

With multiple incidents of various bugs crawling around the food of students at Loyola University Chicago, many people would assume that as long as your school has no bugs, then you’re probably better off than most. 

But what about at Colorado Mesa University (CMU)? Is the food much better than Loyola University Chicago’s insect ridden dining hall?

“Honestly, I don’t think the caf food is that bad. The variety of food provided allows for me to mix up meals to create my own. On the downside, I’m vegetarian so there are limited options for main meals,” said CMU freshman Samillia Bryden-Clarke.

And Samillia isn’t necessarily wrong. In terms of meals that are catered exclusively to the dietary requirements of a vegetarian, options are limited a great deal. 

CMU’s cafeteria (The Caf) is run by Sodexo; a company that “provides facility management and food services to schools, universities, hospitals, senior living communities, venues and other vital industries.”

Perhaps Sodexo could enhance its vegetarian menu. But hey, having less vegetarian content is still a step up than having insects roaming around your salad. 

“The Caf has a decent variety of food, but can get really repetitive real quick. If possible, Sodexo could have students fill out surveys for new food ideas. Depending on Sodexo’s budget,” said Jackson Moore, another CMU freshmen. 

Redundancy of cuisine is a common criticism of The Caf here at CMU. Some argue that when meals are repeated so regularly, then it quickly becomes less and less appealing to eat there. But not everyone agrees with Jackson’s stance. 

“Because The Caf offers diverse options, I feel like I’m eating a home cooked meal rather than the same food everyday,” said CMU freshman Audrey Espinosa.

“I think (The Caf) is better than a lot of people say it is. It’s The definitely not terrible. I wish there was a little more variety sometimes but I understand it’s easier said than done. Their grilled cheeses and burgers are my favorite food and also whenever they have chicken fried steak (I’ll) have as much as they’ll give me,” Said Justin Platt, a CMU sophomore. 

As of summer 2019, The Caf was refurbished. And truthfully, it seems as if (other than repetitive meals), students on a meal plan are content with what they’re offered to eat. 

“I eat in The Caf about three times a day and I’m satisfied with the food every time,” said Victoria Dufour, a CMU freshman.

All in all, if you’re biting into a piece of lettuce and a caterpillar isn’t bursting in your mouth as you do so, you’re probably better off than most.