By KC Orcutt, UAS

This past fall semester, University Auxiliary Services at Albany incorporated Halal dining options into the Dutch Quad dining menus.  For the spring, UAS is extending this option into the Commons Café in the Campus Center.  The Halal option, featuring either chicken or beef, is available to students on Tuesdays and Thursdays at no additional cost.

Halal, which means “legal” or “lawful,” is a term associated with Islamic law, and designates permissible food, in addition to other lifestyle principles.  Halal, in referencing a set of dietary guidelines that Muslims follow, pertains most commonly to meat products, especially in regard to the proper slaughter of the animal and in food preparation, similar to the Kosher regulations that Jewish people observe.

 “It’s new this semester to have the Halal meats incorporated into the menu at the Campus Center,” said Keith Ellwanger, the Chartwells Retail Manager for Campus Center locations.  “We purchase the meat from a separate, local Halal meat distributer.  Most students don’t recognize the difference but it’s important to give students the option.  Try something new!”

Halal was introduced to the campus first by the efforts of Arefur Chowdhury, a senior English and Public Health major from Queens, New York.  Arefur proposed the dining option to Alisa Mathis Peterson, the Regional District Manager for Chartwells, she agreed, and arrangements were made to begin serving Halal meats.

“So far the Halal food in the Campus Center has been outstanding,” said Arefur.  “Some people I spoke to would be open to the idea of grilled chicken. This service is very convenient for commuters, and overall the Halal food has been wonderful.”

Arefur is an active member of the student group Muslim Student Association.  The organization brings together Muslim students through organizing charity events, fundraising efforts and social events such as movie nights and other activities. The group also meets with other religious student groups in promoting the understanding and acceptance of religious diversity on and off campus.

The Halal dining option will be available to all students on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Campus Center and Dutch Quad throughout the duration of this semester.  Menus are available online on UAS’ dining pages.