Kosher & Halal Food Making Way for Interfaith Dialogue
The Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life partnered with International Student & Scholar Services to host a World on Wednesdays presentation entitled “Kosher & Halal Food Offerings: Making Way for Interfaith Dialogue at the Table.” OUCRL Program Coordinator Mike Zimmerman and Field Education Intern John Compton led the talk on Wednesday, February 26th to a crowd of students, staff, and Nashville Community members. Starting with discussion and learning about the specifics of Kosher and Halal food preparation, Mike and John discussed the manner in which Vanderbilt dining has interacted with these needs so far. While there are many great offerings already at Vanderbilt, there is still more room to grow.
Evaluating peer institutions, other methods and offerings were discussed that could bridge the food gap for many students. Showing that this is not simply a dining dilemma, it was shown that the lack of options causes those who need these regulations are thereby unable to participate in the social conversation and atmosphere that a diverse student body like Vanderbilt has to offer. By offering more options and opportunities for students to get Kosher and Halal food in the main dining areas, students can utilize these differences as moments for conversation and learning. Being a residential university, Vanderbilt can truly live the “Living Learning Community” aspect and assist student in engaging with others that would normally be outside their sphere.
Participants were able to enjoy Grins Vegetarian Cafe catered food and get to taste first hand some of the delicious food that fits into these parameters. Grins, located on Vanderbilt campus, is Nashville’s only Kosher vegetarian restaurant. While a great asset to Vanderbilt students, it is a large weight to be some students only option for a home cooked meal.