Editor's note: the information in the following article was compiled randomly and over a short period of time and may or may not reflect the responses given in a formal survey/response environment.

Cafeteria food. The words evoke memories of bland food in industrial size quantities that we were served in school. Even today with more cafeterias - from Universities to hospitals - turning to "fast-food style" cafeteria food still often gets a bum rap. Wanting to destroy the bad reputation long carried by cafeteria food I went to several local cafeterias to discover what was different or the same about an old staple in the American life.

First on my list was Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. One of the largest Naval hospitals in the world this hospital's food service must cater to many needs and likes. Outside the hospital's kitchen that serves to in-patients, many people are here for any and all of their medical needs. From a "well-baby" check-up to seniors having a prescription filled.

Based on this wide range of customer demographics, how does the cafeteria satisfy every desire? "We have tried to provide for many tastes and likes, " said Lt. Commander Siewartsen, Food Service Director, "we please most of the people most of the time".

So they do. The cafeteria had many fresh and made-to-order items. "I would take a sandwich made to my liking to those rubbery chicken dishes made for the masses any day", commented one young Marine who was at Balboa for an eye exam. "I' had enough k-rations in boot camp".

While no one is saying that cooking spaghetti for one thousand is easy --sometimes it's necessary. Head cook at Balboa said, "We make hot meals and cold salads, we have deli-sandwiches made-to-order and a pretty great salad bar too." And if that isn't enough to choose from there is a McDonald's about 20 steps away. When others were questioned about how often they ate out I discovered, on average, people eat out for lunch three times a week and dinner twice.

A McDonald's in a hospital cafeteria seems like a contradiction in terms. "I know, I know," said one guilty-looking physician, "it's not exactly good for me but it's fast and I know what I'm getting every time - no surprises."

I asked about trying to balance good nutrition with convenience and cost at a hospital cafeteria. "Coming to the hospital is never looked at with a lot of enthusiasm. Having comfort foods available helps relieve some stress". A mother with three children in tow said, "when we come here the kids know I will reward them with McDonald's if they behave. A trip to Balboa means a treat at McDonalds." I ask why this McDonalds and not one on the way home. "I don't know actually. We're here. It's here. Just easier I guess."
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