DeSales University promises students a great education, top professors and an environment that encourages critical thinking and creativity. Yet, the university neglects one of the most fundamental skills that anyone can have for leading a successful and healthy life; access to communal kitchens. In the local universities surrounding DeSales, students are taking advantage of their communal kitchens. At Kutztown University, the residence halls are equipped with kitchens that include a stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink. They are often used for special programs and activities within the residence halls such as nutritional education. Penn State Beaver, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, and Mont Alto have community kitchens installed in their residence halls as well, giving students the option to hold special occasions, and socialize outside of dining facility operating hours.  

      Allowing DSU students access to communal kitchens give control and flexibility to their dining options. Residents with special diets (vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, etc) can freely cook what they enjoy eating. Athletes can learn to better ways to fuel their body, and can have round-the-clock access to cooking appliances outside their tiny microwave. Aside from accessing more food choices outside the university center, we can also benefit from the opportunities to interact with real world conditions. Although it's not ideal for every student to have the necessary skills to become a good cook, college should be the place where young people can learn these skills and improve student’s relationship with food. This is also a great opportunity for them to participate in social change by improving their eating habits. The university would have the opportunity to host nutrition based educational programs with hands-on participation. 

       Let’s be honest, microwaving ramen instead of eating at the DUC because the food options aren’t appealing isn’t the most effective way to insure we get our nutritional benefits. Getting access to communal kitchens and kitchen appliances is the most personal way we can connect with our relationship with food, and allow more freedom with our meals.