There are certain things that define Barnard in the fall: the changing leaves on campus, students lounging in Milstein Center’s Library studying for midterms, warming cups of coffee from Liz’s Place … and a very big sandwich.
@barnard.college On Friday, one of Barnard’s most unique traditions returned: Big Sub! Thanks to everyone who came by to enjoy games, music, and a whopping 850 foot sandwich! #barnard #barnardcollege #barnardcampus #barnardtradition #barnardbigsub #bigsub #bigsub2023 ♬ Do It Better - Beachcrimes & Tia Tia
Campus was buzzing on Friday, November 17, as students gathered for a distinct and enduring College tradition that dates back over a decade: the annual Barnard Big Sub, hosted by the McIntosh Activities Council. Last year’s event marked the triumphant in-person and post-pandemic return of the cherished feast, though members of the Barnard community got creative with at-home creations and socially distanced bites in 2020 and 2021. This year, the event was back with a bang, with the sandwich chain stretching to 850 feet, from Futter Field down to the Diana Center — 100 feet longer than last year’s sandwich.
The impressive spread of bread and fixings was assembled in Barnard’s kitchen by Chartwells, the College’s dining service. Segments of the sandwich were carefully designed to meet various dietary needs and preferences, including meat, veggie, kosher, halal, and gluten-free options. With food flowing freely, students — new and returning — gathered with their friends just days before the College shuts down for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The one person who may have been the most excited for this year’s event was President Laura Rosenbury. Last month she told Bwog, “The [Barnard tradition] I’m most intrigued by is the Big Sub. Like, I just can’t imagine it. My imagination is limited, so I’m looking forward to actually seeing it, and then I’ll be able to say if I enjoy it. I think I will, because it’s going to change me. It’s going to blow my mind.”
As President Rosenbury marveled at the sizable sandwich and joined students, faculty, and staff for Barnard’s most famous meal, Big Sub successfully lived up to — and perhaps exceeded — expectations.
Following the event, Barnard Community Engagement & Inclusion (CEI) and Columbia’s Food Recovery Network and Housing Equity Project (HEP) donated all extras to HEP’s Morningside Heights community fridge.
Big Sub Facts and Figures
| 850 feet | Total length of the submarine sandwich |
| 2,000 | Pickle chips |
| 1,050 oz. | Potato chips |
| 260 lbs. | Tomatoes |
| 180 lbs. | Lettuce |
| 150 lbs. | Grilled veggies |
| 55 lbs. | Meat in each 120-foot section |
| 70 | Staffers on deck |
| 3 | Days of planning |
| 3rd | Big Sub event for Executive Chef Dan |
Barnard Big Sub 2023
