In 2014, the NCAA lifted restrictions on what and how much schools could feed their student-athletes. That same year, former GW center fielder and current Trustee Avram “Ave” Tucker, BBA ’77, made a gift to the GW Department of Athletics and Recreation—a portion of which supported Training Table breakfasts for Colonial student-athletes.
Today, all 500 student-athletes have access to a balanced breakfast, with menu oversight provided by Director of Sports Nutrition Lauren Trocchio, RD, CSSD, CSOWM, LD, a registered dietician.
“I love that we give our student-athletes breakfast, since breakfast tends to be the meal many college students (and adults) miss out on,” says Trocchio. “Historically, by the time classes and practices happen, some athletes wouldn’t get a good meal until dinner time. By providing them a breakfast buffet conveniently located in [the Charles E.] Smith Center, we’ve better ensured they will start the day off well-fueled.”
Because the Smith Center doesn’t have a full kitchen, Trocchio works with catering staff and the strength and conditioning team to find tasty and nutritious food that can be easily prepared.
“When we build out the menu, our goal is to include several sources of lean protein, whole-grain carbohydrates, healthy fats, dairy, and fruit,” explains Trocchio. “The types of food recommended for a healthy athlete aren’t all that different than for your average healthy adult, but volume and timing become more important. Whether athletes hope to gain muscle mass, lose body fat, or maintain, they can tailor their choices at Training Table to meet their needs.”