Amidst the diverse array of student clubs on college campuses, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) boasts a particularly unique one: The Lettuce Eating Club. With a growing membership of up to 60 students, the club is characterized by its distinctive sound—the crunch of fresh iceberg lettuce being rapidly consumed by undergraduates. On Thursday evening, the club will host its end-of-semester iceberg lettuce eating contest, where approximately 20 students will compete to earn the coveted title of “Head Lettuce” by devouring an entire head of lettuce (sans stem) in the shortest time possible. What began as a jest between Ava Moriarity and her friends last fall has now evolved into a recognized student group at IUP. It joins other similar groups that have been established for many years at secondary schools and are increasingly found on college and university campuses. While the pursuit may seem peculiar, it is worth noting that the club members could have easily opted for unhealthy options like beer, pizza, or hot dogs. Instead, they have chosen to indulge in a leafy vegetable, offering a refreshing alternative. The club is inclusive and welcomes “every student at IUP who has a love for leafy vegetables or wants to have a good time!” as stated on the university’s website. Aside from the main event, the club holds periodic meetings centered around healthy nutrition and lettuce-themed craft-making. According to Moriarity, a sophomore nursing major from Sandy Ridge in Centre County, the club serves as a way for students to de-stress, blow off steam, and take their minds off the approaching final exams. The inaugural competition last fall saw a dozen competitors, prompting a last-minute grocery store run for additional lettuce. Devising a consumption strategy is crucial, with the “hamburger method” being the most popular technique. This involves flattening the lettuce like a hamburger and consuming it in that manner. Melvin Young, a criminology major from Philadelphia, emerged victorious in the inaugural event, devouring an entire head of lettuce in an impressive 4 minutes and 5 seconds. Across the nation, lettuce-eating clubs have gained visibility in recent years at various colleges and universities. Social media posts reference active and less active campus groups at UCLA, the University of Maryland, the University of Massachusetts, the University of Minnesota, the University of Pittsburgh, and Penn State University. These events often make headlines due to their competitive and humorous nature. At IUP, the Lettuce Eating Club has captured the attention of campus officials, who initially questioned its legitimacy. However, the club’s upcoming contest on Thursday will provide ample proof of its seriousness. With the sound of lettuce chomping filling the air and the song “Lettuce” by Dawg Yawp likely playing in the background, the competitors will put on their game faces and dig into their leafy greens. While the use of a blender by one participant has raised some curiosity, a ruling on its legality may not be immediate. The Lettuce Eating Club at IUP serves as a testament to the quirky and unique aspects of student life on college campuses. It offers a fun and healthy alternative to other campus pursuits, providing students with a way to de-stress and connect with others who share their appreciation for the humble lettuce.
Lettuce Eat: IU of Pennsylvania Club Devours Iceberg in End-of-Semester Contest
