How to Eat Well in Fox Dining Hall: A UMass Lowell Student’s Guide

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By: Angel Molekunnel, Manning School of Business Well-being Leader

At UMass Lowell, dining at Fox Dining Commons is a daily experience for many students, but navigating it can sometimes feel overwhelming with all the options available. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, manage dietary restrictions, or simply figure out what to eat, Fox Dining Hall has something for everyone—if you know where to look.

Fox Dining Commons, located on the 2nd floor of Fox Hall, is a state-of-the-art, all-you-care-to-eat location that offers a variety of stations with meals made fresh from scratch. The dining hall is open throughout the day, with designated times for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch:

Fox Dining Commons Hours:

  • Breakfast: Mon – Fri, 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Brunch: Sat – Sun, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Lunch: Mon – Fri, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Dinner: Mon – Thu, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Fri – Sun, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your meals at Fox Dining Commons, with insights from Melissa Quirk, RD, UMass Lowell’s Registered Dietitian.

1. Start with the Stations

Fox Dining Commons offers a wide range of options every day, including:

  • Omelet Station for custom-made omelets in the mornings.
  • Sizzle Station for hot meals including scrambled eggs, home fries, and pancakes.
  • Smoothie Station offering refreshing, healthy drinks.
  • Deli and Toast Station for customizable breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and fruit cups.

It’s easy to find a nutritious and filling meal here, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a lighter option, like a fruit cup or yogurt parfait.

2. Build a Balanced Meal

Balancing your meals is essential to staying healthy, especially in an all-you-care-to-eat setting. Start with vegetables or salad from the salad bar, add lean proteins like grilled chicken or tofu, and finish with whole grains like brown rice or whole wheat toast. Don’t forget about adding some healthy fats, like olive oil from the salad bar, or nuts and seeds.

Melissa’s Tip: “A good way to balance your plate is by filling half with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with whole grains. You’ll be giving your body the nutrients it needs without overeating.”

3. Mind Your Dietary Restrictions

Fox Dining Commons is equipped to handle a variety of dietary needs. They offer vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options, as well as special stations like Simple Servings, which provides allergy-friendly meals. Gluten-free products are also available, along with a designated toaster and microwave to prevent cross-contamination.

If you have specific dietary needs or food allergies, reach out to Melissa Quirk, RD at dietitian@uml.edu. Melissa joined UMass Lowell in August 2021 and is here to help students navigate their dietary needs safely and healthily. She works closely with UML Dining to ensure that all students can enjoy their meals without worry. 

4. Explore the Healthier Options

Fox Dining offers plenty of healthier alternatives to their more indulgent options. For example, instead of reaching for fried foods, try the Simple Servings station, or opt for the fresh fruit and smoothie station. The Coolfood Meal – Low Carbon Certified label identifies meals that have a lower impact on the environment, and can be a great option for those who want to eat healthy while helping the planet.

5. Don’t Forget Hydration

Fox Dining offers a range of drinks, but try sticking to regular water, unsweetened iced tea, or water infused with lemon or cucumber. Sugary drinks like sodas and sweet teas can add unnecessary calories to your meal, so keeping it simple with water can help maintain your energy throughout the day.

Melissa’s Tip: Carry a reusable water bottle with you to stay hydrated. Proper hydration helps you focus better in class and feel more energized throughout the day.

6. Manage Sick Days with Sick Meals

If you’re too sick to make it to the dining hall, Fox Dining Commons offers Sick Meals that you or a friend can pick up. These meals follow the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) diet, perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather. To request a sick meal, just email the dining hall dining@uml.edu, with your name, student ID number, residence hall, and the time you want your meal picked up. Make sure to provide at least 3 hours’ prior notice.

7. Melissa Quirk, RD: Your Nutrition Resource

If you ever have questions about your eating habits, managing dietary restrictions, or need guidance on how to eat better, don’t hesitate to reach out to Melissa Quirk, RD. Melissa is passionate about helping students make realistic and achievable nutrition goals. She’s especially helpful for students with food allergies, those looking to eat for athletic performance, or those trying to stay on track with a healthy diet during a busy semester.

You can find her at Health Services in University Crossing, or reach out to her via email at dietitian@uml.edu to book an appointment.

Final Thoughts

Fox Dining Hall has so much to offer, and with the right approach, it’s easy to maintain a balanced, healthy diet. With some planning, exploration, and guidance from Melissa Quirk, RD, you can make the most of your dining experience at UMass Lowell while fueling your body for success.

Whether you’re in need of a quick bite, a hearty meal, or something to accommodate your dietary needs, Fox Dining Commons has it covered. Happy eating!

Go River Hawks!