To the editors:


Re: “Calorie Cards Removed From Dining Halls,” news article, Sept. 24.

As representatives of University Health Services, of Behavioral Health and Academic Counseling , and of the Office Residential Life, we feel it important to share our perspectives regarding the display of nutrition information in the dining halls (The Harvard Crimson, “Calorie Cards Removed From Dining Halls” Sept. 24, 2008). A committee that included representatives from all three of our organizations and HUDS was asked to consider how nutritional information was displayed in the dining hall and the effect that it might have on students with disordered eating. A decision was made to remove nutritional information from the serving area while leaving it available on kiosks in the dining hall. This group agreed that this change, given the availability of nutrition information on the dining hall kiosks, was in the best interests of our community as a whole.

We understand that the decision to remove nutrition information from the cards is a visible change, and there are differing opinions as to whether or not it was the best decision. Even among health professionals, we acknowledge that there are differing opinions on this topic. To fully explore these issues, an expanded committee will begin meeting in early November to talk more about this decision and about how to best meet students’ needs. We see this as an opportunity to develop avenues for further education and awareness around these concerns. More information related to these initiatives will be forthcoming and will be made available via the HUDS website and subsequent announcements. Thank you for your interest in this important topic.


SUZY M. NELSON
CATHERINE R. SHAPIRO
BARBARA E. BOOTHBY
PAUL J. BARREIRA
Cambridge, Mass.
Oct. 23, 2008


Suzy M. Nelson is the Associate Dean of Harvard College for Residential Life. Catherine R. Shapiro is the Assistant Dean of Harvard College or Residential Life. Barbara E. Boothby is the Chief Clinical Dietician at Harvard University Health Services. Paul J. Barreira is the Director of Behavioral Health and Academic Counseling at Harvard University Health Services, and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.