By: Anna Streetman
It is no secret that Kennesaw Sate University has an amazing culinary program. That’s why popular food website The Daily Meal just declared it the fourth best in the nation among college campuses for 2014.
For the contest, The Daily Meal reviewed 2,000 4-year colleges in the United States. From there, they narrowed it down to around 320 “knockouts.” The website used five major criteria for judging the campuses: nutrition and sustainability, accessibility and service, education and events, surrounding area, and the “x factor” (any unique 
factor that makes the jaw drop). According to the website, the biggest determining factor was not the food itself, but the overall dining experience.
Kennesaw State University placed number four out of 75 on the website’s list for 2014. The Daily Meal has compiled the list for three years in a row, and Kennesaw State has placed in each one. In 2012, it placed 10 out of 52, and in 2013, it placed 10 out of 60. Each year, The Daily Meal added more factors to determine which college placed where.
With each college, The Daily Meal explains why it was picked. The website pointed out several awesome features of Kennesaw State University’s culinary program. Kennesaw State’s dishes are always evolving, and the menu changes so often that there are over 150 new dishes every day. The “Black and Gold” event offers high-class options like steak, king crab, and lobster. Another event is “Get Wild,” where students are offered exotic meat like kangaroo and even rattlesnake right in the dining hall. KSU is also dedicated to health, coming up with “Wise Choice” meals that are low in sodium and calories and are heart healthy. Kennesaw is also praised for its sustainability; KSU uses compost, diverts more than 43,800 pounds of waste from landfills each month, and recycles cooking oil.
Max Howard, a junior math education major, is not surprised by the news of KSU’s national recognition. He has always enjoyed his time at the commons.
“I enjoy the commons because there is a large variety of food, served by a crew that is happy to be there. Rain or shine, the commons is always consistent in serving food and happiness.”
Jim Spanfeller, former CEO of Forbes.com, launched The Daily Meal in 2011. The website features videos, recipes, drinks, great restaurants from around the world, and various other food topics. According to Google Analytics, the website draws over 8 million unique visitors each month. Its popularity and diverse content make it one of the fastest-growing websites, and it is an honor to have Kennesaw State University featured on its list of top college culinary programs, three years running.
