Educational institutions rely on high-quality catering services to meet the needs of students, but no two environments are the same. Boarding schools and colleges require carefully tailored food services to accommodate different schedules, dietary preferences, and lifestyles.
With extensive experience in school catering and university catering, gather by Cater Care (gather) provides flexible, personalised meal plans that reflect the unique needs of each setting. But what are the key differences between boarding school catering services and college dining programs, and how does gather ensure every student receives the best dining experience?
Why customisation is key to educational catering
Both boarding schools and colleges require more than just good food—they need services that align with the daily routines and health goals of students. gather understands that a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t work, which is why we offer bespoke solutions for each facility we serve. Whether it’s structured meals for younger boarding school students or late-night options for college students, we design our catering services to fit the lifestyle and dietary preferences of our end users—your teams and your students.
Challenges and key differences between college and boarding school catering services
Before we go into how we provide specific catering solutions for boarding schools and colleges, it’s important to understand the key challenges and differences between them and the impact of such highlights.
1. Scheduling and meal flexibility
The daily routines of boarding school students and college students differ significantly, so it’s important to plan food options to hit the different routines and timetables.
- Boarding schools follow more structured timetables, with set meal times to accommodate their academic schedules and activities. Younger students depend on consistent meal availability and don’t have the same freedom to eat whenever they choose.
- Colleges require far more flexibility. With students attending classes, clubs, and events at different times, meal services must offer late-night options or allow meal pre-orders. Many residence halls provide grab-and-go stations or extended dining hours to cater to unpredictable routines.
2: Physical development and changing nutritional needs
The age-related changes in physical development between boarding school and college students have a major impact on dietary needs.
- Boarding school students typically range from ages ten to eighteen, a period marked by rapid growth, hormonal changes, and increased energy demands. These students need plenty of food, including nutrient-dense meals, to support their development, as well as snacks to fuel activities throughout the day.
- At college, the pace of physical growth tends to slow, meaning dietary needs shift. Students must focus more on maintaining energy levels and supporting cognitive function, with an emphasis on balanced eating rather than high-calorie intake. Some may also begin paying attention to long-term health by adopting sustainable eating habits and focusing on fitness-related goals—we’ll talk about both of these too below.
3. Activity levels and nutritional needs
Students in both boarding schools and colleges can have active lifestyles, but the intensity and focus can vary.
- Boarding school students are often engaged in physical activities like team sports, requiring meals that promote energy and recovery. Structured menus focusing on variety and balance ensure they get the nutrients they need throughout the day.
- College students, especially those involved in fitness programs or athletics and building an interest in their own workouts, often seek more specific meals that align with workout regimens. Catering services in these settings need to offer protein-rich meals, low-carb options, and customisable dishes to help students meet personal fitness goals.
4. Age groups and dietary awareness
The age of students plays a major role in determining their dietary habits and expectations.
- Boarding school students, typically younger, need guidance on healthy eating and balanced meals. They may not yet have the knowledge or autonomy to make complex dietary decisions, so offering nutritional education through balanced menus is essential.
- College students, by contrast, are generally more aware of dietary trends and, as mentioned in the point above, are keen to align their diet with fitness or lifestyle goals. They often prefer the flexibility to select specific meal options based on their needs, such as plant-based diets or protein-rich meals for training.
Supporting students’ nutrition through expert guidance
Nutrition support is a key component of gather’s catering services. Our in-house dietitians play a crucial role in helping students understand their dietary needs and achieve their health goals.
- Dietitian visits: During regular site visits, students have the opportunity to engage with dietitians for personalised advice. These visits are especially popular in university settings, where students value the chance to align their diet with fitness and academic performance goals.
- Meal reviews and adjustments: We conduct meal reviews every semester to adjust our offerings based on feedback and new dietary trends. This continuous improvement ensures we stay aligned with the changing needs of students.
For more information about how dietitians support student wellness, read our recent gather dietitian tour blog.
Tailored menus to match growth, health, and facility focus
Whether serving a boarding school or a college, we work closely with each institution to design customised menus that meet the specific needs of their students. For growing teenagers, higher-calorie meals and nutrient-dense options are essential to support physical development and active lifestyles. Meanwhile, for college students, we focus on providing healthy options that empower them to build lifelong eating habits.
Our approach also aligns with the unique demographic focus of each facility. For example, a school with a strong focus on sports may require specialised menus to meet the energy needs of athletes, while a more academically focused institution might benefit from meals designed to enhance cognitive performance and sustained energy throughout the day.
gather’s personalised approach: flexibility for every facility
At gather, we pride ourselves on creating bespoke catering solutions tailored to meet the needs of every student. We understand that each educational facility is unique, which is why we work closely with our partners to ensure that menus, schedules, and meal options align with the needs of their students.
Some examples of our tailored approach include:
- Union College: gather reviews menus every semester to incorporate student feedback, ensuring that meals remain both relevant and enjoyable. This collaborative process helps us provide food students love while addressing seasonal trends and dietary changes.
- Westminster Boarding School: We design meal plans with a focus on variety and balance, ensuring younger students receive the right nutrition. The structured program also introduces new cuisines to encourage exploration while promoting healthy eating habits.
Delivering exceptional catering for every student
At gather, we understand that boarding schools and universities have unique needs that require a tailored approach. From structured meal plans for younger students to flexible dining options for college students, our catering services are designed to meet the expectations of every educational institution we serve.
Our expertise in school catering and university catering ensures that students receive nutritionally balanced meals, customised menus, and ongoing support from dietitians. By working closely with each facility, we create dining experiences that are not only convenient but also enjoyable and beneficial for students’ health.
If you’re looking for a catering partner who can deliver bespoke solutions for your educational facility, gather has the expertise to help you succeed. Contact us today to learn more about our boarding school catering services and university dining programs.
To find out more, get in touch with David O’Brien to have a quick chat about how gather can provide your students and residents with a well-rounded and connecting mealtime experience.
Get in touch Linkedin- 0424 190 566