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Printer-Friendly ModeStudents present food concerns at Forum
October 31, 2005 —
Student concerns with the campus food and eateries were addressed by a panel of Dining Services directors and managers during its regular "Food Forum" on Wednesday, Oct. 19.
Dining Services presented the issues raised at the previous Food Forum by announcing those that have been taken care of. Most of the issues dealt with the oily pasta and slow milk in the RFoC.
Student turnout for the forum was better than expected by the panel. Students came with several concerns and suggestions as to how the Dining Services staff might improve on-campus eating.
Executive Chef Nick Kole addressed those concerned with the freshness of some of the sandwiches and burgers at Einstein's Food Court. He stated that he spends most of his day ensuring that the food given to students is quality.
"It's something we're working extremely hard on," he said.
Kole and his staff have been testing different methods and types of serving dishes to present the food on to maximize its freshness and keep it as hot as possible for food patrons.
Also, quality control gauges such as the one on the milk dispenser in RFoC are checked regularly to make sure the milk is safe to drink. Cooks also use two different pastas now, and switch them mid-day, to show students that they are keeping food fresh.
Other concerns involved the hours of operation for the C-Store and Einstein's Eatery, specifically Quiznos.
Dining Services is conducting a hallway traffic survey to determine the cost effectiveness of opening the C-Store sooner to accommodate students seeking breakfast or a warm drink in the mornings on their way to class. Some students also stated that they wanted to see Quiznos open later, like last year, to get a late dinner that would not otherwise be offered anywhere else on campus.
Matthew Wilton, director of Dining Services, also announced plans to make full use of the C-Store and the service counter where Java City used to be.
Students offered some praise to Dining Services as well. One student cited that their friends from off-campus and visitors from other schools really enjoyed the RFoC and other dining facilities. Another complimented Dining Services on their variety at Chef's Choice.
Dining Services' marketing manager, Heidi Shattuck, encouraged students to look for and come to the next Food Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 16. Free food and drink are available.