TL;DR 🧑🏽‍🍳: InsideGW is taking place this month, which may mean longer wait times in campus dining locations on certain days. Please plan accordingly.

Happy April, Hungry Hippos! Spring is almost in full bloom, and we’re serving up fresh flavors, bright bites, and sunny specials to match the season. Shake off the winter chill and dive into all the delicious happenings we have in store this month.

Passover Food Options

In observance of Passover, GW Dining, GW Hillel, and the Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life are offering multiple food options to accommodate all levels of observance. 

From April 1 - 9, the dining halls (Shenkman, Thurston, and Pelham Commons) will serve kosher-style meals at designated Passover stations, prepared in non-kosherized kitchens. Certified Kosher-for-Passover meals will be available at GW Hillel. Passover frozen meals can also be purchased at District House Market.

Increase in Visitors to Our Dining Locations Throughout April for InsideGW

Throughout April, the Office of Admissions will host high school students and their families on campus each Monday and Friday, as well as Saturday, April 11. On these days, visitors will have lunch at GW Dining locations from 12 pm - 1 pm, so expect longer lines and please plan accordingly.

Reminder: Spring 2026 Meal Plans are active through Saturday, May 9

After breakfast service concludes on May 9, any meal swipes remaining on your account will expire. Please utilize as many of your meal plan swipes as possible before this date. Dining Dollars will continue to rollover to future semesters.

Upgrade Your Coffee Experience 

You spoke, and we listened! Getting your caffeine fix just got easier as all GW dining halls now have upgraded coffee machines. Whether you need a quick boost between classes or extra fuel for a long study session, swing by and grab a fresh cup.

Birthday Cake Waffles Now at Thurston 

Thurston Dining Hall is now serving soft, fluffy Birthday Cake waffles, and we even have an Avoid Gluten option. Stop by for breakfast and treat yourself to our newest 

waffle flavor.

Dispatch Goods Lemonade Stand

Wednesday, April 22 | 12 pm - 2 pm | USC - H St Terrace Table

This semester, we had over 44,000 Dispatch Goods containers returned for reuse; thank you for helping GW Dining be more sustainable! To celebrate, plan to stop by our Earth Day table to enjoy some free lemonade and share your thoughts and questions about Dispatch Goods reusable containers.

Biodegradable Utensils in USC 

Dining concepts in USC (Chaat House and Absurd Bird) are now featuring biodegradable utensils. These eco‑friendly alternatives help reduce plastic waste and keep our campus greener; one meal at a time.

Buff & Bloom Celebrity Chef Series: Chef Angel Barreto 

Monday, April 6 | Dinner | Thurston

We’re kicking off Buff & Bloom Week with a night full of good vibes and great flavors! Join us for our Buff & Bloom Takeover Dinner featuring Celebrity Chef Angel Barreto. Enjoy a one‑night‑only menu crafted by Chef Angel, along with a mocktail station, photo booth, and plenty of tasty bites to celebrate the season.

Chef Angel Barreto is the Executive Chef and Partner at Anju, one of DC’s top Korean restaurants. Known for blending classical French technique with the rich traditions of Korean cuisine, Chef Angel brings thoughtful, story‑driven cooking to every plate.

A Food & Wine Best New Chef, multi‑time James Beard semifinalist, and the 2024 RAMMY Chef of the Year, he’s celebrated for his modern approach to Korean flavors and his leadership in shaping DC’s dining scene. We’re thrilled to have him on campus for this special takeover dinner!

April Teaching Kitchen Featuring Omega 3s 

Thursday, April 15 | 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm | Shenkman 

Join us in Shenkman Dining Hall for our April Teaching Kitchen with our Campus Dietitian, Catherine. Come and learn simple, nutritious recipes inspired by the Feel Good Food of the month - Omega 3s. Enjoy hands-on cooking, tasty samples, and fun tips to level up your plate.

Supper Club: An Elevated Dining Experience

Thursday, April 17 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Shenkman - Side Room

Supper Club is a special meal plan perk that brings students together once a month for an upscale evening of food, fellowship, and fun. For each Supper Club, our Revolutionary Catering team curates a three-course menu, complete with a mocktail bar and live entertainment, creating a truly unique GW experience. It is the perfect way to meet new friends and enjoy a night out - right here on campus. Be sure to follow us on social media for this month’s theme reveal.

Lunch & Learn

Wednesday, April 22 | 12 - 1 pm | Shenkman - Side Room

Join Kumar Chandran, the Policy Director at ReFED, for our first-ever Lunch & Learn event in celebration of Earth Day. Learn about food and nutrition policy through a special presentation and Q&A, while enjoying lunch at the same time.

Do you ever feel a little too rev’ed up? I know that between classes, deadlines, meetings, and social commitments, stress can quietly build. A simple, budget friendly, and effective way to manage it is something you’re already doing - breathing.

What I recommend is the 4-7-8 breathing technique, which is a quick, intentional practice that helps slow your heart rate, calm the nervous system, and shift your body out of “stress mode.” This pattern of slow breathing sends a signal to your brain that it’s safe to relax, helping release physical tension and mental overload. When practiced regularly, mindful breathing can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and support better sleep and emotional regulation.

Here’s how to try it:

Sometimes wellness is about slowing down, taking a breath, and remembering that self‑care is always on the menu (see what I did there). If you’re interested in exploring more wellness opportunities and building habits that help you feel your best, please book an appointment with me.

In observance of Passover, GW Zingers will be closed Wednesday, April 1 - Sunday, April 12. During that time, kosher meals will be available at GW Hillel. GW Zingers will return to normal operating hours on Monday, April 13.

Check out the full hours of operation and what’s on the daily menu before leaving your home to dine!

Have Questions, Comments?