If you’ve noticed a yellow apple with an “I” in the center in Burge and Hillcrest Market Places, you might wonder what it's for.

The apple designates items on the menu that are U-Choose approved—meeting one or more of the following criteria:

• Low Fat
• Zero Trans Fat
• Low Sugar
• Low Sodium
• Whole Grain
• Whole Fruit and Fruit Juice

These criteria were developed by the Healthy Campus Nutrition Advisory Group, a cross section of campus departments charged with the development of healthy nutrition goals for campus and the identification of best practices in support of these goals relative to food service and vending service on the UI campus. Departments included:

• Student Health Services/Health Iowa
• UI Wellness, UIHC Food and Nutrition Services
• University Dining
• UI Purchasing
• College of Dentistry
• College of Public Health

Designating U-Choose approved items in the Market Places is an on-going process. The Market Place chefs and dietician continue to examine menu items for those that meet at least two of the criteria. More apples will appear as menu items are evaluated.

For more information about U-Choose and the Healthy Campus Nutrition Guidelines, visit http://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/uchoose/.

If you would like to comment on the program or suggest menu ideas, please fill out the comment form.