UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Residential dining at Penn State is making several changes in its dining areas and on-campus markets for Passover and Ramadan.  

During Ramadan, dining halls are open during Iftar, the fast-breaking meal during evening hours. Halal items will be on the buffet menu, including chicken biryani, Moroccan baked fish with harissa, and veal and onion stew. Additionally, menu items are available for pre-order for Suhoor, the pre-fasting meal right before sunrise, at Pollock Commons until April 8. Orders must be submitted by 4 p.m. the day before and will be available for pick up during dinner service. Menu items include ful mudammas (Egyptian fava beans), hummus and pita bread, shakshuka, veggie omelet and fruit.  

Some unique events will also take place in the upcoming weeks at Pollock Commons. As part of Arab-American Heritage Month, a Q&A session about the Arab-American experience will occur at 1:30 p.m. on April 16 in-person and via Zoom. Mint tea and treats from the Penn State Bakery will be available for in-person attendees. Registration is strongly encouraged.  

A Shawarma Pop-Up will occur during dinner service on April 23 with belly dancer performances at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m, sponsored by the ABS Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging team. 

PURE, a Kosher dining station on the second floor of Findlay Commons, will be open during Passover through April 30. Kosher items for Passover, such as matzo, grape juice, cookies, soup, cereal and shelf-stable meals, have been added to the shelves at all on-campus markets.