To celebrate Black Heritage Month, NIU Dining is hosting a special soul food menu. This event takes place on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Neptune Dining Hall. It’s a partnership with the NIU Center for Black Studies, aiming to highlight Black culture and community.
Tosha McCarthy, the assistant manager at Neptune Dining, shared why this event matters: “It’s crucial to showcase different cultures. Our campus is diverse, and we want students to feel at home as they spend two to four years here.”
The menu features a variety of dishes, including fried chicken, fried catfish, Creole chicken gumbo, and peach cobbler. This marks the second year NIU has offered a soul food-themed menu, and they hope to continue this tradition annually with the Center for Black Studies.
Notably, engaging with multicultural dining can have broader benefits. According to a 2021 study by the National Restaurant Association, 78% of consumers want to try foods from other cultures. This growing interest highlights how food can act as a bridge between communities.
This event is open to both students and the local community, with a cost of $11 for those without a meal plan.
Events like this not only offer delicious food but also foster understanding and appreciation of different cultures. As conversations about diversity continue to evolve, initiatives like NIU’s soul food menu play an important role in creating inclusive spaces.
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