Hoping to increase dining options on campus and encourage healthier eating habits among students, Aramark opened a new food station dubbed "Balance" last Tuesday in Usdan Cafeteria.The new station, which replaces "GrillWorks," will feature a core menu of chicken breast, salmon, beef kabob, vegetables, and assorted whole grains. These health-conscious offerings represent a considerable departure from the burger-and-fries style grilling station that was staple at Usdan.

The menu was created in response to focus groups facilitated by Aramark last semester. The consensus among the 500 to 600 students, faculty and staff who participated in the groups was the need for increased options when it came to healthier foods.

The Brandeis Campus Nutritionist, Laura O'Gara, a registered dietitian and licensed dietitian-nutritionist, has been consulting part time with Brandeis for four years. She recently decided to work full time to plan the new "Balance" station.

"We wanted to create a menu that reflected the way many people eat at home, so not all of the food at 'Balance' will be seasoned and sauteed," O'Gara, said.

O'Gara is creating signs detailing the nutritional facts of the new offerings at the new station. She hopes "Balance" will help students learn more about healthy eating and weight management.

"Students want healthy food. But they also want tips about having a healthy lifestyle. The Balance station will address both," O'Gara said.

Reactions from students about "Balance" have been positive.

"It's great that we have fish now," Judah Milunsky '06 said.

Seniors eating in Usdan were also pleased.

"There is a lot of variety. The station is new and different, and it smells good," Amy Non '04 said.

And Sushrut Jangi '04 said that the new station represents a positive change in his lifestyle.

"My outlook on the day is going to be totally different," he said.

Most objections from students have not been in response to "Balance's" menu, but to removal of "GrillWorks" from lower Usdan. Some students worry that "GrillWorks," which is still available at the Boulevard, will have longer lines and fewer choices.

Responding to increased demand on the Boulevard, Operations Manager for Aramark at Brandeis, Michael Newmark, said, "we have already made many of the necessary adjustments to 'GrillWorks' in The Boulevard. We increased its staff and transferred to it all of the menu items that were available at 'GrillWorks' in Usdan Cafe."

Students also worry the addition of "Balance" will take away the traditional menu offered at "GrillWorks" during breakfast.

Director of Dining Services at Brandeis, Barbara Laverdier, said that some aspects of the "GrillWorks" station would remain.

"The 'Balance' station will serve the traditional breakfast menu, including omelets, on weekday mornings. The station will also serve as a 'GrillWorks' station on the weekends."

The new food station is not the only place students can go to learn about nutrition. O'Gara is working to bring educational programming on the matter to residence halls, the Health Center, and the Brandeis Web site.

O'Gara holds office hours twice weekly and is available at other times by appointment for anyone wishing to discuss eating habits.