Forward Magazine May 2023

As we look back over the semester, this month is dedicated to celebrating the growth milestones that we have made in our Luxe Life as a campus dining program, as a campus community, and as individuals. We are proud to have served your campus communities over the last academic calendar year and look forward to finishing it even better than we started.

Our aim is to encourage our partners and guests alike to take the time to celebrate their wins both big and small as we share in their successes. In addition to celebrating growth, we will celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander’s Month and use our voices to amplify National High Blood Pressure Education Month and National Mental Health Month.

Sincerely,

Thompson Hospitality

Maurice P. Jenoure, Chief Operating Officer

Dina Zaikouk, Vice President of Operations

Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality would like to continue our campus community theme, the #LuxeLife! The luxe life is a term crafted by our team of college student interns to convey the attention to detail, commitment to excellence and exceptional customer service that will be felt and experienced by each guest. As we welcome students back to a more open campus dining experience, we want to normalize the reality that our guests are worth going the extra mile. This year will be equal parts fun, fulfilling, and filled with teachable moments.

IT’S THE FOR ME!Growth

As the year ends, it’s time to gather your belongings in your room, declutter all the old paperwork, and say goodbye to your friends that live out of state for the summer. Above all, it’s time to congratulate yourself on completing your first full year of college! The road was difficult, but you stuck it out and saw it through.

Being away from home for the first time can be scary. With new adjustments and experiences, it can take time to navigate through campus life. However, throughout this year, you certainly discovered the beauty of change. While summer sets in, make sure you bask in all the accomplishments you achieve during your first year. From passing your finals, obtaining a leadership position on campus, receiving a recommendation letter, making some friends, networking at events, and receiving a scholarship or internship, all your big wins matter.

Nevertheless, remember that small achievements should receive the same amount of applause. Whether it’s getting to class on time, eating multiple times at the dining hall, getting enough rest at night, turning in all your assignments, or studying for a substantial amount of time, be proud of yourself.

It is also essential to reflect on any mistakes you made throughout the year. College and life are about trial and error. You only can know what doesn’t work by trying and failing.

Most importantly, forgive yourself. We often are too hard on ourselves, and when it comes to college, it is easy to feel like every setback is major. Understand that you are human, and a few bumps in the road do not have to stop the journey. You rose from adversity each time, thus bringing you to this moment of completing your first year.

So, during your summer vacation, relax and rejuvenate yourself. You put in hard work and spent long nights getting here. It’s time to turn your brain off school and transform your mindset into summertime fun.

You did it! If you can make it through the first year, the next few years will be a breeze. Remember, the future will be bright if you keep your goals at the forefront.

Have a safe and wonderful summer break! See you in the fall!

Sincerely,

Campus Dining BY THOMPSON HOSPITALITY

Power Foods to Help Combat Mental Health

A DeliciousPick Me Up: 10

There is an ongoing mental health crisis among college students. The Clay Center reported that 73 percent of students experience a mental health crisis, more than 80 percent have felt overwhelmed with everything they have to do, and 45 percent feel hopeless.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that poor mental health and mental illness differ despite the terms being used interchangeably. Mental health includes an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Understanding mental health will help you figure out how to handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.

A person with poor mental health does not always have a mental illness, and vice versa. Mental illness is an illness that affects the way you think and act. Various mental illnesses can range from moderate to severe.

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental illnesses among college students. In 2021, a study at The Healthy Mind reported that 22 percent of college students suffer from significant depression, while 41 percent screened positive for depression overall. In 2016, a Pennsylvania State University study found that 1 in 3 students screened positively for anxiety.

The reasons for students feeling this way can vary; however, the leading causes include financial stress, uncertainty about career and future, pressure around succeeding, and often the stigma around seeking help.

To nurture your mind, you can directly fuel your body. Studies have shown that various foods can help reduce moods and help combat mental health issues. Power foods are nutrients dense foods that contain many healthy nutrients that can help improve mental health. Here are ten power foods that are often found in your dining program!

1 2

Blueberries

Powerful in taste and great for your body, blueberries are full of antioxidants that can help protect your body from anything trying to damage your cells. Specifically, blueberries contain an antioxidant called flavonoid anthocyanin, which is associated with reducing the risk of depression. They are also a good source of Vitamin C that can be good at reducing the impacts of stress.

Kale

Leafy greens can provide the body with countless nutrients; however, Kale has many plant-based molecules, such as phytonutrients, that help out brain activity. This vegetable is also full of folate, a vitamin often used as a supplement to treat depression.

9 8 7 6 5 4 3

Black Beans

Legumes such as black beans have tryptophan, an amino acid, and magnesium, which are linked to improving overall mental well-being.

Walnuts

An item you may overlook in the grocery store or salad bar contains just what you need to boost your mood. Walnuts are more antioxidants than any other nut, along with Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which have been linked to helping fight depression.

Quinoa

This complex carbohydrate can help improve your mood with just one bite and protect you against depression by increasing the serotonin in the brain. Quinoa is also packed with folate, a necessary vitamin for healthy brain function.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is another complex carbohydrate that helps increase the serotonin levels in your brain, making you feel calm and reducing any anxiety you may have. Packed with magnesium, this food aims to relax the nervous system.

Eggs

Low levels of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, omega-3 fats, and folate have been linked with people battling depression. In just one bite, eggs provide the body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals to help regulate mental health.

Avocados

This delicious fruit, often mistaken for a vegetable, contains almost 20 vitamins and minerals and can benefit your health with just one bite. Most importantly, avocados can provide the body with tryptophan, which is directly linked to a serotonin boost.

Cranberries

According to MedicalNewsToday.org, consuming a cup of cranberries daily improves brain function as you increase in again. Moreover, drinking cranberry juice has been found to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

10

Apples

An apple every day does keep the doctor away, but it also keeps your mental health stay intact. Apples are packed with nutrients that help stimulate the production of new brain cells. They are also packed with manganese, which researchers have found to be linked to decreased depression.

WELCOME

WELCOME TO THE

VIP Membership

Invitations to private dining events at their HBCU hosted by campus dining. Premium sections and priority access to giveaways. Monthly previews of exclusive content from Campus Dining.

Virtual Meetups like BINGO, Game Night, Speed Networking and more! Don’t miss out next semester!

Text #Deluxe to 830-357-7630

Luxe

Thompson Hospitality would like to once again extend a huge thank you to all our staff and students! With your help, we’ve been able to make this spring semester luxurious! We have enjoyed building deeper bonds with you through our programming and hope you all have had an experience worth bragging about. Our goal is still to show you how important it is to get the most out of your dining experience. From kicking off each month with our insta-worthy First Friday Luxury Kickbacks to getting down southern style with our Bayou Bash, each part of our dining program has been tailored to suit your needs. We are excited to create even more memories and continue to provide you with even more exceptional customer service, and attention to detail as the summer comes around. See you next school year!

First Fridays Wakanda Forever!

Martin Luther K ing Jr. Vision Board Brunch

Ladies Night

Luxe

Game Night With the Directors

Celebrating Victory: Making the Most Out of Your Cinco de Mayo

In 1862, the Mexican Army won over Napoleon’s III army at the Battle of Puebla. The Battle of Puebla occurred at the start of the Franco-Mexican war that lasted until 1867. This win was a significant battle but is not celebrated nationally in Mexico, only in the city of Puebla, where the action occurred. Cinco de Mayo, however, has a history of being an important day in the United States.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is widely interpreted as a massive celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, especially in areas with a prominent Mexican American population. Though it is not a big holiday in Mexico, this day becomes a day where they can honor their roots and ethnicity.

Though some people outside of the culture have changed the day’s meaning, there are still appropriate ways to celebrate the exciting holiday. Celebrating the holiday has no boundaries; however, it is essential to remember to appreciate the culture without promoting negative stereotypes such as mimicking accents or wearing offensive costumes.

There are many ways to have fun throughout the day while respecting and appreciating Mexican culture. Here are some ways you can make the most out of the day!

Support Mexican-Owned Businesses

There are plenty of restaurants owned by corporations that serve Mexican-style food. However, try to research and visit your Mexican family-owned restaurant or businesses. You never know what family-owned business is nearby; stop by and support small business owners. As of 2022, nearly five million Latinx-owned businesses throughout the United States contribute more than $800 million to the economy each year.

Donate To Mexican Charity Organizations

Many organizations directly help the people of Mexico. SavetheChildren.org is one organization that has been helping children in Mexico since 1973 through education, health, hygiene, nutrition, and violence prevention programs. MariposasMexico.org is another charitable organization aimed at empowering women in rural communities in Mexico. Spreading the word about charity is also a great way to help charity organizations. It is not always about the amount donated but the thought and care behind it.

Eat Mexican Dishes

How do you make tacos at home? Did you know that American tacos are different from traditional Mexican tacos? Mexican culture tacos are only topped with vegetables such as cilantro, avocado, sliced radish, and onions. To enhance your celebration, eat traditional Mexican dishes rather than the American version. Also, try dishes you do not normally eat or make. One of them is Mole Poblano, a spicy dish in the city of Puebla, or Enchiladas Poblanas made with the Mexican pepper called Poblano peppers. Food is a significant and essential part of the culture, so make sure you indulge.

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT! THTV

You Made It!

Make it Memorable Season 1 Episode 6: How To Host Your Own Luxe Life Staycation

Chef Talk Season 2, Episode 3

Raising Awareness: Eating Disorders Among Communities of Color

CLICK FOR ON DEMAND TV FOR COLLEGE DINING

DINING EVENTS

Raising Awareness, Lowering the Pressure

May commemorates Hypertension Awareness Month to encourage everyone to pay close attention to their blood pressure. With more than 600,000 people dying from heart disease in the United States and high blood pressure being the leading cause, everyone must care for themselves.

High blood pressure happens when the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. It develops over time and results in very unhealthy lifestyle choices. You can slowly create problems with high blood pressure from not getting enough regular physical activity, sleep deprivation, consuming too much salt, and not eating enough fruit and vegetables.

What is alarming about having high blood pressure is that there are little to no related symptoms. However, you may want to check your blood pressure levels if you have moderate or severe headaches, anxiety, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, or palpitations. The best way to check your blood pressure is through a visit to your doctor, where you use a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure monitor). Attached to the machine is an inflatable cuff. To use it, wrap it around your arm and slightly tighten it to measure your blood pressure. The numbers on the blood pressure monitor help show what your blood pressure levels are. However, no matter your age, your average blood pressure should be 120/80 or lower. Anything too low or higher can be seen as alarming.

Typically, your blood pressure increases with age, with the risk peaking around age 45. Though the risk is higher when you get older, young people also suffer from high

blood pressure. Young Black Americans tend to develop more severe high pressure resulting in 1 in 8 adults ages 20-40. It is also more common among men than women. Though high blood pressure can happen to anyone, there are ways to keep your pressure at bay. Here are a few ways to regulate your blood pressure.

1 2 3

Exercise Regularly

Regularly exercising for 30 minutes a day can help reduce your blood pressure. Walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and dancing can all be fun ways to keep your blood pressure down.

Eating a healthy diet.

A healthy diet can do a lot for the body, and many fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products aim to lower high blood pressure. Potassium can lessen the effects of salt on high blood pressure.

Get a good night’s sleep.

Recognizing Cultural Contributions:

Celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Month

To recognize the historical and cultural contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, we use May to celebrate all that they do. What started as a day to commemorate the first Japanese immigrant arriving in the United States became a month to celebrate all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Food brings people together. The United States is a melting pot full of cultures that contributes to the nation’s success. We must learn to appreciate different cultures as they add music, traditions, customs, and food. However, there are not many forms of representation for minority chefs. As of 2022, white people made up 59.4 percent of chefs, followed by Latinx at 17.8 percent, African Americans at 10.4 percent, and Asians making up the lowest percentage at 9.1 percent.

Even with the low percentage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in culinary arts, they have made breakthroughs. Here are a few of the chefs’ breaking barriers.

Cristeta Comerford

This Filipino-American made history by being the first woman and person of Asian origin to be the White House executive chef since 2005. Cristeta Comerford began her career in hotels such as the Sheraton and Hyatt Regency before working as a chef at two restaurants in Washington, D.C. In 1995, after spending six months traveling, she was recruited to work as a White House assistant chef. After the executive chef Walter Schieb III resigned in 2005, Comerford has appointed to the position. She continues to work as an executive chef in the White House today.

Robynne Mai’i

Creating history and breaking barriers is just one way to describe Chef Robynne Mai’i. Chef Mai’i is the first female chef from Hawaii to win the James Beard Award. The James Beard Award recognizes achievements in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and the broader food system. Mai’i studied culinary arts at Kapiolani Community College and, upon graduating, pursued a master’s degree at New York University. In 2016, she moved back to Hawaii to open a restaurant with her husband, Fete.

Sheldon Simeon

After acquiring a love for cooking from his parents, Sheldon Simeon grew up to pursue a successful career in the culinary arts, now known for embodying Hawaii’s past and future through food. Simeon attended the Pacific Culinary Institute and obtained an internship at Walt Disney World. When returning to Hawaii, he attended Maui Culinary Academy. He competed on season 10 of the hit food competition Top Chef in Seattle, Washington, where he won the fan favorite title as the finalist. Today he owns and operates Tin Roof, a Maui’s Kahului restaurant where he serves lunch-style dishes in take-out bowls.

THS WORLD

What’s going on in the world this month?

Marketing Contacts

Daniela‑Gabrielle Smallwood, Head of Marketing and Communications daniela.smallwood@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 444–7430

Cindy Horstman, Field Marketing Director chorstman@thompsonhospitality.com (804) 640–4136

Editorial Staff

Gina Godwin, Creative Director

Heaven Smallwood, Chief Editor

DeAndre Taylor, Graphic Designer

Ryan Bayne, Graphic Designer

Yolanda Waters, Lead Writer