July 22 marked the Homewood Campus debut of Insomnia Cookies, a national bakery chain with late-night hours and delivery service. The idea for Insomnia Cookies originated at the University of Pennsylvania in the dorm room of then-student Seth Berkowitz. Since its founding in 2003, the popular chain has been selling and delivering freshly-baked cookies to individuals and companies at over 50 locations.
The Editorial Board welcomes the University’s effort to increase retail options for students near campus. Apart from the 24-hour Subway and University Market (Uni Mini) on St. Paul Street, late-night snacking hubs are few and far between. In the week and a half following Orientation, the cookies have been well-received by returning students. The Board particularly commends the bakery’s convenient location on the ground floor of Charles Commons, which places it in the heart of Charles Village and makes it easily accessible to the majority of undergraduates.
However, with the administration’s recent emphasis on providing nutritious dining, including the introduction of the Bon Appétit Management Company to campus just last year, we wonder why the University did not select a healthier alternative. Frozen yogurt, for instance, with its various flavors and toppings, would have satiated our sweet tooth while simultaneously offering a more balanced range of choices.
It is no secret that college campuses are breeding grounds for poor dietary decisions. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can sometimes be harder than passing an Orgo final. We’ve all heard of the notorious “Freshman Fifteen,” but the real issue we neglect to consider is the regularity with which such unhealthy lifestyles continue after graduation. With this pattern in mind, many schools across the country are seeking to develop health initiatives and education programs that will assist students in making better lifestyle choices and forming good habits.
Why, then, would Hopkins choose Insomnia Cookies? Yes, the cookies surely taste good. The temptation to indulge, however, is already rampant, and practicing moderation is even more difficult when our bodies are compromised by lack of sleep. Of course, a couple of chocolate chip cookies every so often won’t do much damage, but the Editorial Board maintains that a store catering to stressed and sleep-deprived college students can hardly be conducive to moderation.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The News-Letter.