News to Savor

News to Savor

Ohio Wesleyan Elevates Student Experience with Premier Campus Dining Service

DELAWARE, Ohio - Ohio Wesleyan University is redefining what a premier residential liberal arts experience looks like, with campus dining at the center of that transformation.

On July 1, the university is launching a redesigned dining program in partnership with Harvest Table Culinary Group, a nationally respected leader in campus food service known for its chef-driven menus, scratch-made food, and deep commitment to student well-being and sustainability.

"Ohio Wesleyan is building a future where every aspect of campus life, including where and how we eat, reflects our momentum as a preeminent national institution," said Brian Emerick, assistant dean for residential life and dining services. "By partnering with Harvest Table, we are providing a dining experience that promotes health and well-being, supports sustainability, creates new avenues for guest feedback, and incorporates a global culinary perspective."

The new program, endorsed by both OWU's Future of Student Dining Task Force and its Dining Committee, goes well beyond improved menus. It positions Ohio Wesleyan as a model for how residential universities can use food and community to advance student success:

• Grubhub mobile ordering fulfills students' desire for convenient, personal service.
• A dedicated allergen-friendly program ensures every student can eat safely and with confidence.
• An on-site dietitian brings professional nutritional guidance directly into daily student life.
• An on-site guest experience manager makes dining a welcoming, inclusive community anchor.
• An expanded grocery store experience gives students greater autonomy over how they nourish themselves, including more fresh choices.
• Student representation on Harvest Table's national board of directors gives OWU students a voice in shaping campus dining nationwide.

Ohio Wesleyan's commitment to student health extends to the sourcing standards Harvest Table brings to campus. A minimum of 20% of all ingredients will be locally sourced - a concrete investment in both student wellness and the regional food economy.

The university also will undertake a yearlong review of meal plan options to better align dining structures with how students actually live and eat. The review will be a collaborative process involving students, the university, and Harvest Table.

"Ohio Wesleyan represents exactly the kind of institution we seek as a partner, one where dining plays a powerful role in bringing people together," said Mary Thornton, president and founder of Harvest Table Culinary Group, which serves a select group of 11 U.S. colleges and universities. "We are excited to collaborate closely with the campus to create a dining program that is rooted in its values and becomes an integral part of the student experience."

Learn more at owu.edu/HarvestTable.

Harvest Table's selection by Ohio Wesleyan is the latest marker of an institution that holds its campus partners to an exceptionally high standard that prioritizes student health, sustainability, and belonging. As OWU continues to build the infrastructure of a premier national liberal arts university, partnerships like this one demonstrate that its commitment to student-centered excellence extends to every corner of campus life.

About Harvest Table Culinary Group

Harvest Table is a premier hospitality company reimagining campus dining for good. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community, they help colleges and universities build vibrant, connected campuses - one scratch-made meal at a time. For our campus partners, we unlock new value, optimize resources, and stay ahead of evolving campus needs to drive long-term partnership success Beyond the Plate. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.harvesttableculinary.com.

About Ohio Wesleyan University

Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation's premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature experience, the OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to understand issues from multiple academic perspectives, volunteer in service to others, build a diverse and global perspective, and translate classroom knowledge into real-world experience through internships, research, and other hands-on learning. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book "Colleges That Change Lives" and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review "Best Colleges" lists. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at owu.edu/experts or learn more at owu.edu.