Food at USMA

beachpavilion

USMA 2015 Parent
5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2010
Messages
7
Greetings-
I have heard that cadets (maybe just plebes) are hungry all the time and are not allowed any snacks. I don't particularly care about the snacks but certainly with the energy they are expending, they need not be hungry.
This is in contrast to the ample food I hear the USNA plebes are receiving.
I would appreciate someone in the know clarifying the food situation at WP.
Thanks
 
Quote from a rising Yearling at West Point:

"We get plenty of food. Whether you want to eat the mess hall food is another story. You can have as much Boodle (snacks) as you like."

Hope that eases your concerns!
 
my son is never complained about being hungry, I have always sent him boodle, he has a hot plate. The question is really whether they want to go to the mess hall when it is open or order in. West Point has the only McDonald's in the country that will deliver, then of course there is pizza and several options on base where they can eat also.
 
Man, there are so much cake, wings, water melon, etc. from the pictures I see of Beast and of church activities.
 
Not quite sure where that notion came from...

Just a wild guess: sounds like a troll...remember 2 years ago when Navy was in the news for having a lack of food? There were all kinds of issues, but they quickly resolved the situation once it became public knowledge. I think someone is on our site trying to stir things up.

Rest assured, there is plenty of food at West Point!
 
Just a wild guess: sounds like a troll...remember 2 years ago when Navy was in the news for having a lack of food? There were all kinds of issues, but they quickly resolved the situation once it became public knowledge. I think someone is on our site trying to stir things up.
!

Troll? :shake: I think you've made a good call here! They picked and interesting topic for their first post.
 
Greetings-
I have heard that cadets (maybe just plebes) are hungry all the time and are not allowed any snacks. I don't particularly care about the snacks but certainly with the energy they are expending, they need not be hungry.
This is in contrast to the ample food I hear the USNA plebes are receiving.
I would appreciate someone in the know clarifying the food situation at WP.
Thanks
Perhaps you are concerned because the New Cadets at West Point do not receive care packages or "boodle" boxes.

During Plebe summer at USNA, Plebes' parents are free to send plenty of care packages filled with yummy treats.
Not so at West Point. New Cadets (at West Point you don't become a Plebe until you are accepted into the Corps on A-Day) must eat three meals/day in the Mess Hall. Boodle boxes filled with snacks and other treats are not allowed.
They do allow NC's to eat 4000 calories/day and many gain weight. Some do lose weight and those who are too thin (or close) are closely monitored and fed a diet of extra calories if warranted.

Many NC's do complain of being hungry - most of the time this is from not being able to "graze" freely as they were able to at home. Soon their body's internal clock adjusts though.
 
Rest assurred I am not a troll. We are trying to put rumors to rest, and I think comparing the academies is a valid exercise. I have heard from multiple WP alumni about the alleged food situation. Also heard this at SLS. Our child does not have many needs and can put up with anything, but he does like his food.:smile:
 
They can get care packages during their first summer at USNA? Well that explains volumes about that joint!
 
Rest assurred I am not a troll. We are trying to put rumors to rest, and I think comparing the academies is a valid exercise. I have heard from multiple WP alumni about the alleged food situation. Also heard this at SLS. Our child does not have many needs and can put up with anything, but he does like his food.:smile:

Please do a little more research. The days of food deprivation ended in 2002. I was cadre for that change. Your child is not denied food.
 
Rest assurred I am not a troll. We are trying to put rumors to rest, and I think comparing the academies is a valid exercise. I have heard from multiple WP alumni about the alleged food situation. Also heard this at SLS. Our child does not have many needs and can put up with anything, but he does like his food.:smile:
Can you expound a little more about these "rumors"??
How long ago did these alleged alumni graduate?

There is a plebe list serve operated by West Point.org and every year Mom's get letters from their New Cadets telling them they are hungry. Seriously though - they are offered plenty of food. The food is nutritious, filling and plentiful. All they have to do is eat it.
Like I said above - a number of NC's also need to get used to not eating at all hours of the day and night. Their "hunger" between meals is not truly "hunger" but their body adjusting to three meals a day; no snacks.
They don't and won't starve. There is no way an emaciated NC could complete the Marchback at the end of the summer. When you consider the physical demands of beast and the condition the NC's complete the summer the "lack of food" just doesn't add up.
 
For about a year I have been looking at this board and the one question I ask has apparently touched a nerve.
In response to Scout Pilot - you asked I do some research - well this is part of that research
In response to mom - these alumni are not "alleged". Granted they did graduate some years ago as they are O-5, O-6.
Despite the tone, this tread and the rest of the board has provided some great information and I am thankful to all that have contributed to those of us not in the know
 
Gotcha, so they graduated over 20 years ago. A lot has changed at West Point in the last 20 years. Your question touched a nerve because it is pretty far over the top. Go back to your sources and tell them it's time for a visit. :wink:
You mentioned SLS though - I am curious about that since I have never heard that before. Candidates who attend SLS eat in the Mess hall but there is no reason whatsoever for them not to have enough to eat.

If you would like to learn about 'Modern Day' beast here are two books:
Absolutely American by David Lipsky http://www.amazon.com/Absolutely-American-Four-Years-Point/dp/061809542X

Duty First by Ed Ruggero http://www.amazon.com/Duty-First-Making-American-Leaders/dp/0060931337

These books have been around a while but offer a more current view than a couple of Lt Col's.
 
Greetings-
I have heard that cadets (maybe just plebes) are hungry all the time and are not allowed any snacks. I don't particularly care about the snacks but certainly with the energy they are expending, they need not be hungry.
This is in contrast to the ample food I hear the USNA plebes are receiving.
I would appreciate someone in the know clarifying the food situation at WP.
Thanks

The only time they aren't allowed snacks is during Beast, after that they can have whatever snacks they prefer. As others have said the upperclass no longer denies new cadets or plebes food. In addition their weight is monitored to be sure they are at a healthy weight.

My son has never gone hungry...he may not always like the main dish they are serving in the mess hall but he can always fill up on side dishes and bread with peanut butter.

Cadets can also buy food from the many places in Highland Falls (all deliver), or various places on post: Grant Hall, Subway, Burger King.

I hope this will put your fears to rest. Of the many things my son complains about, not enough food isn't one of them. :thumb:
 
If after my very first post I was accused of being a troll, I probably wouldn't come back to ask any more questions.
 
My NC is currently at the end of Beast. He is a small guy, entered at about 120lbs. He's been a wrestler most of his life and is used to gaining and losing weight. He has lost weight during Beast, but not due to lack of food. He eats plenty, he just burns it off! He has made several requests for 'Boodle' for next weekend! I've already packed his box with all of the goodies that he loves and will make sure that he is well stocked during the academic year!
 
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