PHILADELPHIA, PA — Aramark Collegiate Hospitality has introduced MEDI, a Mediterranean-inspired dining program designed to bring flavorful, fresh, and health-conscious options to college campuses nationwide. The new concept responds to students’ increasing preference for Mediterranean cuisine, as highlighted in Aramark’s 2024 DiningStyles Survey, which ranked it among the top three most requested special diets and top five favorite cuisines overall.
“We take listening seriously; it allows us to provide the hospitality our campuses deserve,” said Jack Donovan, President and CEO of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. “We have incredible culinary innovators, dietary experts, and field teams who all come together when we see the need for a new campus dining solution.”
A Menu Tailored to Modern Tastes
MEDI’s menu focuses on Mediterranean staples such as bowls, salads, scratch-made dressings, grilled naan, and seasonal hummus. Signature offerings include the Chicken Shawarma Grain Bowl, Falafel Greek Salad, Lemon Curry Chicken Bowl, Gyro Wrap, and Lamb Meatball Bowl.
To offer greater flexibility, students can build their own meals by starting with a base of fresh greens, grains, legumes, or grilled naan, and adding proteins, fresh vegetables, and a variety of dressings. Complementary sides like falafel, naan, and desserts, including baklava and tahini chocolate chip cookies, round out the menu.
Positive Feedback from Pilot Campuses
MEDI launched as a pilot program at Assumption University, Holyoke Community College, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, University of Hartford, and Hardin-Simmons University. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with students praising the flavor and customizability of the offerings.
“With the growing national popularity and demand for Mediterranean-inspired dining options, MEDI offers an on-trend, plant-forward, relatable, affordable, and flexible option for our guests,” said Chef Tim Zintz, Director of Culinary Development. “Our pilot sites gave us the opportunity to tweak details and survey scores and comments confirmed the success of our new concept.”
George F. Kuntz III, Director of Student Engagement and Leadership at Assumption University, shared his praise for the program, stating, “The MEDI concept has been a wonderful, flavorful, and healthy experience at Assumption. It brings a new, and creative option to our dining experience and opens the menu of possibilities.”
Prioritizing Health and Nutritional Value
With an emphasis on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats like olive oil, the Mediterranean diet is often associated with reduced risks of chronic diseases and improved quality of life. By incorporating these nutritious choices into campus dining through MEDI, Aramark is providing students with access to meals that support overall wellness.
Future Outlook
Aramark plans to expand the MEDI concept to additional campuses, continuing its mission to meet evolving student preferences while promoting health and sustainability. The introduction of MEDI illustrates Aramark’s commitment to creating diverse and flexible dining options that enrich campus dining experiences while supporting the well-being of its students.
With MEDI’s innovative approach to dining, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality underscores its role as a leader in adapting to and delivering on the needs of students across the country.
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