A great number of people in past years have been concerned about Notre Dame's policy of not serving meat in the dining halls on Fridays during Lent. However, neither side of the argument ever addresses the fact that the dining halls are not doing enough to support the Lenten season.
Everyone knows the meaning of Lent centers around giving up the most unhealthy food one currently consumes in order to become closer to Jesus' experience leading up to his crucifixion and eventual resurrection. Yet each year as Lent rolls around, the dining halls only take away meat, and only on Fridays. How are Notre Dame students supposed to succeed in their Lenten promises if they are constantly faced with temptation? What are they to think of a Catholic institution that would ignore such a cornerstone of Lenten experience and expression?
The only solution is for Notre Dame Food Services to stop serving anything unhealthy during Lent. The major food groups of sweets, desserts, frozen yogurt and bread should not be available anywhere on campus. The dining halls and cafes should only offer fruit, vegetables and a few other options. Subway should eliminate meat, bread and cheese and Sbarro should be shut down permanently.
This is a chance for Notre Dame to make up for all its past mistakes. This is a chance to right a wrong that has been crippling Notre Dame's potential. By eliminating every food-related temptation during Lent, the students of Notre Dame will finally be able to fulfill their promises. Plus, spring break is coming soon.
Cate Ryan
senior
Pasquerilla West
Feb. 22
