January 26, 2022

Eating at MIT

Navigating the dining halls can be challenging, especially while juggling busy class schedules. But, here we will break down the essentials to eating in the dining halls so you can best fuel your lifestyle. In this post, we will break down locations, keys for special diets, allergies, as well as making healthy & delicious choices!

Locations: 

MIT has 6 residential dining hall locations as well as other options for retail and grab and go foods. This post will focus on the 6 residential dining hall locations. In case you didn’t know the locations of the 6 dining halls include:

  • Maseeh Hall
  • McCormick Hall
  • Baker House
  • Next House
  • Simmons Hall
  • New Vassar​

Before heading to one of these locations for a meal, check out the hours they are open.

Keys for Special Diets & Allergies:

MIT will post icons next to the foods and meals that qualify according the categories and descriptions below.

Vegan

Contains absolutely no animal or dairy products.
Vegetarian Contains no meat, fish, poultry, shellfish, or products derived from these sources but may contain dairy or eggs.
Made without Gluten-Containing Ingredients Does not contain ingredients that are sources of gluten, but is prepared in an open kitchen where gluten is present.
In Balance Contains a balanced portion of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean protein with a minimum amount of healthy fat.
Halal Contains meat prepared in accordance with Muslim dietary law.
Kosher Contains only ingredients prepared in accordance with Jewish Dietary law.
Farm to Fork Contains seasonal, minimally processed ingredients from a local farm, ranch, or fishing boat.
Locally crafted Contains products crafted by a small, locally owned food business using socially and/or environmentally responsible practices.
Seafood Watch Contains seafood that meets the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s seafood watch guidelines for commercial buyers.
Humane Contains humanely raised meat, poultry, or eggs. Must be certified by a credible third-party animal welfare organization.

 

Building Meals for Success:

A large part of eating well is planning ahead. Here are some tips to help you plan your meals at the dining hall:

  • Plan meals and snacks around your schedule. Find dining halls close to your classes or regularly scheduled activities.
  • Variety is key! Get a mix of a few different food groups or use the “Balance” icon to locate these meals.
    *Note: as a reminder here are the 5 food groups: proteins, grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy or dairy alternatives
  • You can get the menu right in your inbox. Sign-up to help you plan your meals ahead so you don’t need to think when you show up at the dining hall.

Additional Resources:

Daily Table in Central Square offers affordable, convenient and healthy food options. Utilizing imperfect food to offer our community healthy options for every budget. Daily Table also offers FREE delivery to campus.

Easy Meals for in Your Room w/o the Dining Hall:

Ever feel like not making the run to grab some food, especially with winter coming? You can make super quick and nutritious meals in your dorm with just a microwave or with non-perishable food items.

  1. Trader Joe’s Finds: located at 784 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA this store is located only about 1 mile from campus. They have a variety of snacks and meals that can be kept frozen for and easily heated in the microwave. There are so many options you are sure to never get bored! Some of my personal favorites include:
  • Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
  • Sriracha Shrimp Bowl
  • ​Organic Acai Bowl
  • Cauliflower or butternut squash gnocchi
  • Spinach parmesan polenta
  • Chicken or shrimp dumplings
  • *Add frozen vegetables and proteins to make a complete meal and enough for your roommates too! *
  1. There are plenty of snacks/items that can be kept in your dorm ready to go with minimal prep. Here are some ideas to inspire you!
  • Trail mix
  • Instant oat meal
  • Yogurt and granola
  • Protein bars/ cereal bars
  • Popcorn​
  • Rice, corn or vegetable crisps/crackers/cakes
  • Dried fruits
  • Peanuts or tree nuts (if safe for you and your roommates)
  • Mini bagels or whole wheat English muffins with nut or seed butter

HAPPY EATING!

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