Commuter Eats: On-The-Go Meals that Go the Extra Mile

By BILLY LABOSKA
June 3, 2011

Published: August 28, 2008

Eating is rough when you’re living on campus, but it can be even rougher if you’re rushing to catch a bus or train to get to your 10 a.m. class on time. When choosing which snacks to bring from home or pick up on the way to school, convenience is a major consideration. You want something that travels well (i.e. won’t spoil), can easily fit into a backpack or purse and won’t spill all over during your bus or train ride. Here’s a quick rundown of the best on-the-go meals and snacks for FCLC commuters:
Fruit:“When it comes to snacks, I usually bring cut-up pieces of fruit from home like apples, peaches, pears and plums,” said Robert Isabella, FCLC ’09. “Other fruits like raspberries and grapes are good on-the-go snacks.” The nutritional value of fruit is superior to almost any other on-the-go snack. However, unless you pick it up on the way to school, fruit requires preparation. Use your judgment when deciding if you are capable of handling a knife at 6 a.m. Though it is a good transition snack between meals, fruit probably won’t fill you up for long.
Smoothies:

Smoothies are a delicious and healthy meal replacement when you just don’t have the time to chow down. “I’ll grab a smoothie at Jamba Juice in Whole Foods [in the Time Warner Center] or at Smoothie King in Penn Station,” said Ariel D’Addona, FCLC ’09. Elixir, also located in the shops at Columbus Circle, usually provides speedy service and great drinks.
Breakfast Sandwiches and Pastries:

The chains remain popular among commuters. Nora Murphy, FCLC ’09, finds Starbucks the most convenient spot to grab a quick bite. “Not only do they have coffee, but they have sandwiches and pastries which can easily be eaten in class or on the train. Plus, with three locations within a three-block radius of school, it’s easily attainable.” One drawback is that it’s easy to get stuck on a long line and be late for class. Alan’s, the deli across the street from campus, is a prime place to get breakfast sandwiches, as well as heroes, wraps and salads. “I often eat at Whole Foods because their selection of food is huge, but if I need a quick fix before class, I stop at Alan’s and get my ‘usual,’ a salad,” D’Addona said.
Lowenstein Vending Machines:

While it not might be the ideal commuter food, sometimes a stop at Lowenstein’s vending machines is a necessary evil. “Sometimes I get a bag of pretzels, a banana or a packet of Fig Newtons at Fordham in the cafeteria,” Isabella said. Other popular items include: Sun Chips, Chex Mix, Nutra-Grain bars, Twix and Snickers. The machines have a wide variety, so the nutrition factor is really in your hands. Beware though, it is not uncommon for these machines to be very stubborn and demand exact change.