Spoon University gives foodies a place to read about all things food.

By Katelyn Weisbrod
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Spoon University is coming to campus.

The website compiles culinary information such as recipes and restaurant reviews from colleges around the country. Each contributing university has a chapter with a website and a team of writers. The chapter’s specific website includes articles about local restaurants and events.

The University of Iowa chapter plans to launch the local site next week, with articles covering topics including how to navigate the Farmers’ Market and a list of the best places to get pizza in Iowa City.

“We’re trying to focus on getting a diverse array of content, like if you’re gluten free or if you’re really cheap,” said Morgan Noonan, the UI chapter’s social media manager. “We want to have a wide range, because college students have a lot of different mindsets and not a lot of time.”

Spoon University found its way to the UI when senior Nicole Bradley followed the site’s Instagram account. Over the summer, the Spoon Headquarters reached out to Bradley via Instagram, asking her if she wanted to start a chapter at the UI.

Bradley had to obtain 300 signatures to show the UI was interested. She then had to build a staff, which she did by recruiting students in the journalism school, and they now have a team of about 20 writers led by Bradley as the editorial director.

“In the future, I’d like more photographers and videographers. If you go on the national website, they have the coolest videos and pictures,” she said. “We’re also looking for business-oriented people to do marketing and social media to spread the word. I think everyone can find their niche in it.”

The articles are designed for college students, from the language to the content.

“I love that it’s geared toward college students,” Bradley said. “The recipes are so easy. There are meals you can make with four ingredients in your dorm room, it’s not like Food Network or anything.”

Plus, the articles localize their content to fit the UI and Iowa City.

“I like how you can find things that are tailored to Iowa City, and honestly it’s just fun,” contributing writer Rachel Terry said. “There are drink recipes and fun things like that. Nothing is too difficult. It’s tailored to college students. I think students and people in Iowa City would be interested in it.”

The writers have plenty of ideas about what they are going to put on the chapter’s site. Noonan has already started posting on the chapter’s Instagram, and she said she hopes their feed will be much stronger once the website has more content.

“Food is something everyone loves, no matter what you say,” Noonan said. “It’s a great organization for college students. It’s hilarious and helpful, and I’m really proud to be a part of it.”