Fresh-picked water at St. Cloud State
By NICOLE TOMMERDAHL, Star Tribune

March 4, 2009

The orange wedges floating in a water dispenser at St. Cloud State University's dining hall add a little color to an otherwise drab beverage bar. They also represent a tasty alternative to soft drinks that is hooking health-conscious students there and, perhaps soon, nationwide.

The new Hydration Station at SCSU's residential dining center, Garvey Commons, is a regular stop for freshman Amanda Glanz, who said she "lives off" the water -- especially the apple-flavored variety. "It tastes better than normal water," she said.

The Hydration Station features a row of water dispensers flavored with foods ranging from oranges and apples to mint and cucumbers. The SCSU innovation has become so popular that the idea will be encouraged at national locations as soon as this fall, said Monica Zimmer, director of public relations for Sodexo Inc., which manages dining service operations for SCSU.

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