So I think the food is a non-issue - to echo @eyemgh .
I actually think food is quite important - because how many kids don’t eat because it’s bad and get low blood sugar. Or you read about a school like Gtown that kids are spending thousands extra eating outside because it’s so bad.
But - you are considering two schools - and these two rate amongst the highest in the country. I verified UMASS with an colleague who said she’d choose it over eating at any restaurant where she lives now (in Phoenix) - and another class of 26 dad I’ve been talking to visited and said it was very good.
Va Tech I was at - nicest large campus I’ve ever been to - like really really nice - but we couldn’t eat there due to covid. It won’t let me show it - but google niche + food and you’ll find the best college food in America link.
Va Tech is 2 and UMASS is 3.
So to me, it’s of vital importance - but in this case would not be an issue as it’s going to be great at both schools.