Spoon University brings food, health and wellness to college campuses across the country through social media. Students Melinda Kauffman, ‘19,  Rachel Hicks, ‘19, and Madison Hutchins, ‘18, are founding a chapter at Washington and Lee University.

Spoon University is a nationally recognized organization focused on bringing ideas for healthy eating to college students through social media.

“Spoon University is the everyday food resource for our generation, on a mission to make food make sense,” Spoon University’s website read. “On our site, you can find the simplest recipes, the most obvious hacks you can’t believe you didn’t know, and the best restaurants around campus that you haven’t found yet.”

Kauffman, who runs her own food Instagram account, said she got the idea to bring Spoon University to Washington and Lee after following the organization’s Instagram page.

“I followed Spoon University on Instagram and saw that it wasn’t just its own entity. Each college had its own,” Kauffman said. “So I thought, I wonder if I could start one.”

Kauffman said she wanted to bring Spoon University to her own campus, because she felt students would benefit from it.

“It’s done by students for students, so it’s all geared toward your own university,” Kauffman said. “I feel like there are a lot of people on our campus who are passionate about food or foodie trends.”

Kauffman said she hopes that a Spoon University chapter on campus will help make the Lexington area more well known to the student body.

Hutchins said she decided to join Melinda in founding the chapter, because she identified with the need for more ideas for healthy eating on campus.

“I’m gluten intolerant, and I’m lactose intolerant, so finding things to eat is difficult—especially when you’re in college,” Hutchins said. “It’s limited, and you feel like you eat the same things a lot.”

Hutchins said she felt that having Spoon University on her own campus would help give her and other students in similar situations more options for food that meet their dietary needs.

Kauffman and Hutchins said they are hoping to expand their team before club meetings officially begin this winter.

The club tabled in Elrod Commons and will hold an interest meeting this term.