The Duke community has a wide array of religious diversity.  Currently, over two dozen Religious Life groups are recognized on campus, and students, faculty and staff involved in many of these groups and other faith traditions make dietary choices from an ethical or religious perspective every day.  Whether these involve eliminating specific foods from one’s diet as a daily practice or during certain festivals or fasting and abstaining from food entirely for a period of time, religious choices factor into food choices for many individuals.  Duke currently offers kosher meal options for Jewish students at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life, and efforts are being made to identify a source for halal options for Muslims.  There are vegetarian alternatives at most dining establishments for those whose religious convictions necessitate the elimination of meat entirely.

Duke student, David Braum, explains the basics behind kosher dietary laws and takes a look at healthy eating on campus, kosher-style.  View his powerpoint “How to Eat Kosher and Stay Healthy“.

For more information on religious and cultural issues related to food at Duke contact Christy Lohr Sapp, Associate Dean for Religious Life, christy.lohr@duke.edu, 919-684-2909.

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