Creating Healthier Places

University of Pennsylvania

2017 Progress Report

Year Committed: 2015
Length of Commitment: 3 years
Select a Progress Report:

Committed to meet guidelines—developed by PHA in collaboration with some of the nation’s leading nutrition, physical activity and campus wellness experts—around nutrition, physical activity, and programming on campus.

Verified Results

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Offer on the menu a minimum of one (1) wellness meal at each breakfast, lunch and dinner meal (if served).

    Progress To Date

    University of Pennsylvania offers at least one wellness meal at every breakfast, lunch and dinner served at its four campus dining halls. Wellness meals meet all PHA food and nutrition criteria and are promoted with signage recommending “Dan’s Daily Dish.”

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Label food and beverage items offered with calories per serving at the point of presentation. OR Designate healthier food and beverage options using a healthy icon at the point of presentation.

    Progress To Date

    University of Pennsylvania labels all food and beverage items with calories per serving at the point of presentation and online. Additional nutritional information including fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and sugar is also available online.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Offer a minimum of three (3) types of fruits, three (3) types of vegetables, two (2) 100% whole grain products and no more than two (2) fried items on catering menus. OR Offer a healthier catering menu that only includes foods and beverages that meet healthier food and nutrition guidelines.

    Progress To Date

    University of Pennsylvania offers a Healthy Catering Menu that includes only foods and beverages that meet Healthy Definition criteria, mutually agreed upon by the University and PHA.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Make free water available in all dining, recreational and educational facilities.

    Progress To Date

    University of Pennsylvania makes free water available in all dining, recreational and educational facilities through a combination of water fountains, bottle filling stations, infused water stations and water dispensers.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Offer, without a user fee, a minimum of one (1) monthly 'how to' physical activity/ movement class that introduces students to new activities.

    Progress To Date

    University of Pennsylvania offers a number of free beginner fitness classes each month to introduce students to new physical activities. Instructors plan class activities as if all participants are trying the activity for the first time and class equipment, such as yoga mats, is provided. During the Fall 2016 semester introductory class offerings included yoga, boot camp, Pilates, and spinning. Additionally, during Winter Wellness Week in December, all fitness classes for the week were offered free of charge to encourage students to participate.

Partner Statement

“The University of Pennsylvania is thrilled to continue its commitment to making Penn a healthier place. We took several steps forward in our innovative dining establishments by ensuring all of our dining locations offer a wellness option at every meal, denoted as ‘Dan’s Daily Dish.’ We also worked to label all food and beverage items with calories per serving at the point of presentation and online. In our efforts to make sure Penn is a healthier place for students AND faculty and staff, we redesigned the catering menu to better highlight healthy meal options. Hydration is an important part of staying healthy and well, so we confirmed that all dining, recreational, and educational facilities have free water available. Finally, thanks to a tremendous partnership with our Campus Recreation department, Penn now offers a number of free beginner fitness classes each month to introduce students to new physical activities.”