Kosher dining coming to UD

3:39 p.m., May 30, 2013--Kosher dining will be coming to the University of Delaware when a new residential dining hall opens in fall 2015.

"We're pleased to provide this new option that will serve Jewish students and Muslim students who observe Halal dietary laws, while also exposing other students to the richness of this heritage," said UD President Patrick Harker. "Just as the University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus, we want to make all members of our community feel welcome and valued."

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"The availability of kosher dining is an important addition to the University's commitment to recognizing and appreciating the different backgrounds, values and ideas of those in our community," said Margaret Andersen, director of the President's Diversity Initiative. 

David Singleton, vice president for facilities and auxiliary services, said, "This will be a wonderful addition to the wide range of options that Dining Services offers our students, and for some it may be their first exposure to authentic kosher food."

The initiative grew out of a request students from Hillel made to Harker last year. Singleton and Margot Carroll, director of hospitality services, investigated the issue, visited other campuses where kosher dining is offered and worked closely with Ronit Sherwin, executive director of Hillel at UD, in developing the recommendation to move forward. 

To be approved as kosher, food must be prepared to exacting standards. For the new dining option, food will be prepared and served by the University's Dining Services staff under the direction of a mashgiach, a certified supervisor.  

The new residential dining hall is part of the Academy Street Dining and Residence Halls project, which begins active construction this month. The kosher dining station will be open to all students as one of many food options available in the 50,000-square-foot dining hall, which is scheduled to open with the fall 2015 semester. 

Currently, UD offers several kosher style options: Kosher frozen meals are available on request; campus markets offer a variety of pre-packaged kosher certified items; and Dining Services supports kosher meals at Hillel for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover.