Dining Changes on the Horizon

The folks over as Sodexo, Cal State Monterey Bay's (CSUMB) food provider, have noticed the dissatisfactions amongst customers and are taking necessary steps to ensure a higher level of satisfaction. In an effort to better serve the diverse campus, the Food Service Committee (FSC) was developed. Made up of CSUMB students, the FSC met with Sodexo representatives to provide insight on the campus' dining needs.

"I like the idea of having a food committee but wonder just how many of the suggestions given to Sodexo are actually followed through with," said Shannon Detter, junior, Kin. A concern to which Campus Dining Services (CDS) responded to by noting that over 75 percent of the recommendations made from FSC have been implemented already and the rest of the suggestions are being worked on. Additionally, there are several menu additions currently being tested to determine if they are new options to adopt for next school year. According to Sodexo representatives, the trials are in an effort to collect in depth data to present to the administration because they are the ones who have the final word over approved or rejected changes and suggestions.

Jessica Blazi, junior, VPA voiced a common concern amongst students when she said, "The food doesn't bug me as much as the amount of money I'm paying for it. I would be interested in knowing if there was a way to bring the cost down." A response from CDS suggests a decrease in services and expensive organic products as possible ways to cut down costs. However, they also note there are several factors out of their control such as rising gas prices, food inflation and increasing labor costs.

Those who have recently dined on campus might have noticed a few additions such as new meal options in the Dining Commons, Otter Bay Restaurant, and the Otter Express. These new options are in part because of concerns raised and suggestions made during the FSC meetings. In the coming weeks patrons will notice microwaves in the OE and Peet's Coffee, due in part to requests made at the FSC meetings.

CSUMB is in its second of a 10 year contract with Sodexo. According to the contract, CSUMB must consider Sodexo first as a catering option. In April, Sodexo hosted a Farmer's Market as part of the Earth Week celebrations, a compromise, students got a much requested Farmer's Market and the contract with Sodexo was still honored.

It is easy to make Sodexo the "bad guy." However, it is also apparent they are making an attempt to make the best out of the situation. Through participation with the FSC a compliant such as "I would like a wider array of food, it has the tendency of getting repetitive. It'd be cool to mix things up," said by James Maloney, junior, TAT could be more directly addressed. Charles Wesley, General Manager and Uriah Pavia, Operations Manager, said both their doors are always open to students willing to share concerns and suggestions.