Aramark wants to help athletes excel both on the field and off, and it’s using food to help do that. To that end, the college and university arm of the foodservice provider has launched Eat to Excel, a new dining platform designed for athletes.
The new program provides educational, menu and nutrition tracking for campuses that do not have dedicated training tables for athletes. Students can also download the Eat to Excell app, which helps students choose nutritionally sound meals. The app is personalized to each students training schedule, goals and biometrics, according to a statement.
“We think student athlete success is dependent on a sound nutrition foundation and education to help them achieve their goals,” said Dan Wainfan, vice president of health, wellness, and nutrition, at Aramark, in a statement. “We are excited to offer this program with all student athletes in mind.”
The program is particularly helpful for Division II and III schools that traditionally lack comprehensive training table support, according to foodservice provider.
The program was piloted in the Spring 2023 semester at select schools and was received well by student athletes, said Aramark in a statement.
“Proper nutrition is critical for athletes to train and perform at a high level. I really believe it can be another competitive advantage for athletes, similar to what strength training did for athletes many years ago. The knowledge we have today to customize nutritional needs for various sports is amazing. That is why I think the Eat to Excel program is important,” said Barry Fried, director of athletics at Viterbo University.