College can be a stressful time, where anxiety can creep in and we lean into comfort. The phenomenon of picky eating is increasingly popular among college campuses and sometimes can hinder social experiences and nutritional health. 

As students navigate the complexities of academic life, their food choices—often based more on comfort than nutrition—can reflect broader issues of adaptability and openness. 

At its core, picky eating may seem harmless, but it can have significant implications on both individual well-being and community dynamics. For one, restrictive eating habits limit exposure to diverse cuisines and culinary experiences, which are integral to social bonding during these formative years. When students opt for familiar foods, they miss out on opportunities to connect with peers through shared meals, recipes and culinary adventures. 

There is a fine line between having preferences and being close-minded to not trying new things. For example, I dislike mushrooms. Although I have tried mushrooms before and decided I didn’t like them, my experience allowed me to make an informed choice. In contrast, many students refuse to attempt foods they have never tried. 

During a recent discussion with friends about our least favorite foods, I discovered that several of them had never experienced the very dishes they claimed to dislike. All of them surprisingly admitted they had not even tried foods like sushi or eggplant, perpetuating a cycle of limited experiences. 

In my life, my parents encouraged me to try new things, but that it was okay to like what I liked. For my other friends, they were forced to eat whatever was given to them that day which poses the gray area on whether that is beneficial or not reaping all the benefits as their parents hoped. 

I asked some of my friends what their thoughts are about picky eating, especially on GCSU’s campus along with some of our favorite Milledgeville restaurants. 

“My go-to restaurant would probably be Barberitos,” said Sonni Stephens, a sophomore world languages and cultures major. “I usually get a burrito bowl with rice, beans, chicken, cheese, lettuce and sour cream. Unfortunately, I got the enzyme that makes cilantro taste soapy, so a lot of things there aren’t things I can eat. I think an unwillingness to try things is what makes someone a picky eater.”

Certain limitations make it hard for students to be as adventurous as they would like while having restaurants that have go-to staples is a must on campus. 

“My favorite restaurant in Milledgeville is The Brick,” said Andrea Barnett, a sophomore management information systems major. “My go-to order is the gourmet white pizza, but I have the tomatoes put on after it comes out of the oven instead of before.” 

The general consensus from friends I both intentionally as well as unintentionally asked is that people like what they like and that food can be a source of comfort in students’ day-to-day lives. It only becomes a problem when avoidance comes into play when a student isn’t willing to branch out. 

This trend of avoidance not only affects an individual’s palate but can also extend to nutritional health. 

Luckily in Milledgeville, we have a ton of restaurants that have comforting classics including The Brick’s and Amici’s wings and pizza favorites, as well as places that put a spin on the classics. Bollywood Tacos is a Mexican-Indian fusion restaurant that has unique taco combinations on the menu, like their buffalo chicken taco. Metropolis is the hidden gem of Milledgeville though, due to their flavorful dishes centered around Greek food. 

On many college campuses, it is easy to find what I like to call the “unholy trinity” of cuisines: Mexican, Italian, and American because it is so easy to get food that can be what I mentioned as a “comforting classic” like pizza, quesadilla, burgers, fried chicken and fries. 

This isn’t a bad thing! I just believe that when there are places like Bollywood Tacos and Metropolis expanding our palettes, we should be learning what is out there foodwise just like how we are living independently and doing things for ourselves on campus. 

The social ramifications of picky eating go beyond just personal choice; they underscore a crucial aspect of college life—community building. Shared meals are often where friendships blossom and cultural exchange occurs, enhancing the college experience. Students who are unwilling to try new foods may find themselves isolated, standing on the sidelines while others bond over dinner tables filled with unfamiliar flavors and ingredients. 

Encouraging open-mindedness around food can foster a more inclusive atmosphere on campus. By exposing students to different foods in an inviting setting, institutions can help dismantle preconceived notions about certain ingredients or dishes. Peer influence also plays a pivotal role because when adventurous eaters share their experiences with picky eaters, they can inspire curiosity and open-mindedness.

While some degree of pickiness can stem from personal preference or health conditions, it’s essential to recognize that food is a cornerstone of cultural identity and connection. Rather than allowing picky eating to define our collegiate experience, let’s embrace a wider palate. Exploring new tastes not only contributes to personal growth but also enhances our college community, feeding both our bodies and our relationships.