As the crescent moon brings in Ramadan, Ferris’ dining services have tailored meal options for fasting students.
Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar from March 10 to April 9. Muslims participate in fasting, prayer, reflection, and acts of charity as they celebrate the month. During this time, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset, seeking a deeper connection to their faith.
The Rock Café and the Market will offer choices until the end of Ramadan for the dietary needs of those participating in the fast.
Director of Dining Services Rebecca Bogardus discusses the accommodations offered for these students.
Q: What are the accommodations Ferris is offering for students who participate in Ramadan?
A: Both of our dining courts are open before sunrise, and The Rock Café is open past sunset during Ramadan, we checked! This is a great resource for breaking the day’s fast.
Q: What are the options offered?
A: We are also offering a Breakfast Kit in the Market for guests to pick up after dinner. These include dates, breakfast bread, and Greek yogurt with other goodies for the next morning. All of this can be purchased with a meal exchange.
Q: How many students have ordered these options since they have been available?
A: We chose to add the breakfast kits this year and are tracking usage, but we have no real data on who comes into the dining courts and participates during our normal operating hours.
Q: Will this continue for future years?
A: If students use them, we will definitely do them again next year.
Q: How does a student order these options?
A: Anyone who needs assistance should ask for the manager on duty at the Rock Café. They can help arrange an additional meal exchange or to-go options during Ramadan.
The Rock Café is open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the Market is open Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. These options will end at the end of Ramadan on April 9.
For more information, contact the dining services by calling (231) 591-2648 or emailing BulldogServiceCenter@nullFerris.edu.
C.E. – EC/RS/AM